‘One reporter was killed by the government but not a f***ing hill I’m going to die on,’ comedian Tim Jefferies told podcaster Theo Von

Some of the world’s best-known comedians – including American performers Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Louis C.K., and Bill Burr – have been dubbed “sellouts” for taking part in a Saudi state-sponsored comedy festival in the wake of another journalist’s killing, and a reported rise in executions for non-lethal and drug-related crimes, along with long prison sentences imposed for social media posts.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government, is a new, lucrative gig for big-name comedians as the country expands its entertainment sector as part of “Saudi Vision 2030.” The initiative, brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also includes the highly-controversial LIV Golf tournament and investments in the tech, gaming, and venture capital sectors.

  • sigmaklimgrindset@sopuli.xyz
    1072·
    6 days ago

    PETE DAVIDSON?? The guy whose origin story is literally that his dad died during the 9/11 terror attacks orchestrated by the Saudis? THAT Pete Davidson??

    • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.worldEnglish
      121·
      6 days ago

      You mean to tell me that a guy who sells Axe body spray might not care where his money comes from, regardless of how it makes him look?

    • prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      11·
      6 days ago

      I mean, I’m not a fan or anything, but the dude was on SNL for several years, and has starred in multiple films. So I think he’s probably more known for those things.