Whitney Cummings defends Riyadh Comedy Festival performance amid backlash over Saudi ties

Whitney Cummings has responded to criticism over her appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, describing the backlash as “racism” and claiming that many comedians have indirectly accepted Saudi money through business links with Live Nation.

Speaking on her Good For You podcast, Cummings said she disagreed with those equating the Saudi government and its citizens. “You think that the people of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi government all share the same values? It’s just racism,” she said.

“When people say, ‘You’re doing something unethical,’ I’m like, ‘Oh, these must be ethical people,’ and then you realise they’re just racist.”

She added that many performers criticising the event had worked with or benefited from Live Nation, saying, “Anyone who has worked with Live Nation, every stand-up comic, has taken Saudi money.”

She referred to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which previously held a 5.7% stake in Live Nation before selling its shares last year.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, featured international comedians including Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson and Andrew Schulz.

Several comedians, including Marc Maron, David Cross and Zach Woods, condemned the event on social media. Cross specifically criticised Burr, writing that he was “disgusted and deeply disappointed.”

Burr later defended his participation, saying on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: “I don’t give a fuck what all these phony fucking people are saying… I had a good time.”

Aziz Ansari, who also performed, said he would donate part of his fee to human rights and press freedom organisations, though Human Rights Watch stated it “cannot accept” such donations.

Cummings maintained that performing in Saudi Arabia was about connecting with audiences, not politics, adding that she stood by her decision to appear at the festival.