Whitney Cummings is stepping into the fray surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival controversy. During Monday's episode of her "Good for You" podcast, the comedian tackled the backlash directed at fellow comics who took the stage at the Saudi Arabian event. Cummings, who was among the performers, doubled down on her choice to participate and asserted that much of the criticism directed at the festival stemmed from "racism."
"I guess I'm this oddball. I don't subscribe to the notion that every government and its people are one and the same," she remarked. "Are you suggesting that the people of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government hold identical values? By that logic, do you also believe that the Chinese government and the Chinese people are indistinguishable? It's just racism," she continued. "It took me a moment because when people accuse you of doing something unethical, your first instinct is to listen, thinking, 'Oh, these must be ethical individuals.' But then you realize, 'Oh no, you're just racist.' And let's not forget, these are the same folks who declare, 'Trump's not my president! I bear no resemblance to our government.' Yet they expect other countries to be?"
Riyadh has found itself at the epicenter of controversy after a slew of comedians voiced their disapproval of various aspects of the festival. Atsuko Okatsuka revealed the censorship guidelines included in her contract offer, which she ultimately declined, while Marc Maron lambasted those who agreed to perform, citing Saudi officials' alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks and the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
"I mean, how do you even market that? Like, 'From the folks who brought you 9/11, enjoy two weeks of laughter in the desert, don't miss out!'" Maron quipped. "I mean, the same individual who's paying them is the same one who paid to have Jamal Khashoggi dismembered with a bone saw and stuffed into a suitcase. But hey, don't let that dampen the yucks, it's gonna be a blast!"
Cummings also contended that "anyone who's ever collaborated with Live Nation, every stand-up comic out there, has accepted Saudi money." She added, "Take a moment, Google 'Saudi Arabia Live Nation' so you can be informed about the fact that anyone who's worked with Live Nation, every stand-up comic, has taken Saudi money. Google it! Just so you know what you're talking about... or if you've ever bought a ticket through Live Nation, attended a Live Nation event, or if you're an actor represented by William Morris Agency, which covers pretty much everyone. If you want to send them notes too, go ahead."
Alongside Cummings, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Carr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias, and Andrew Schulz also graced the festival stage. While comics like Burr, Chappelle, and Louis C.K. have defended their appearances, Jessica Kirson issued a statement expressing her "deepest regret" for participating in Riyadh. She also donated her fee to a human rights campaign.
