Duncan Trussell has delivered perhaps the most cutting critique yet of comedians participating in Saudi Arabia’s controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival. The comedian, known for his previous association with Joe Rogan’s podcast ecosystem, penned a commentary that manages to skewer both the festival’s participants and American foreign policy in equal measure.
Writing on a recent social media post, Trussell opened his missive with self-deprecating humor: “Before I venture further in this missive, let me just say that I was not invited to the Riyadh Comedy Festival. They fear men like me. They fear my integrity and my courage.”
But the gloves came off as Trussell launched into his satirical writing, employing irony to expose what he sees as the moral bankruptcy of comedians willing to perform in the kingdom. “Comedians are moral people. Good people. Family-minded people,” he wrote, before delivering a devastating punchline: “This is why stand-up comedy is known as ‘the virginal art.'”
The critique grows increasingly pointed as Trussell invokes comedy’s most problematic figures. “What do Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, and Tim Allen all have in common? Not just their amazing bodies of work, but their exemplary lives spent seeking justice for the marginalized and speaking truth to power.”
Trussell’s commentary arrives amid a growing chorus of criticism directed at high-profile comedians, including Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Dave Chappelle, and Aziz Ansari. They are all scheduled to perform at the two-week festival in Riyadh. Human Rights Watch has specifically called on these performers to reconsider their participation, arguing they risk legitimizing a regime with a troubling human rights record.
The festival has become a lightning rod for controversy, with fellow comedians taking increasingly public stands on either side of the issue. Zach Woods recently released a satirical video targeting participants.
Additionally, Marc Maron quipped during a stand-up routine: “I mean, how do you even promote that? You know, like, from the folks that brought you 9-11, two weeks of laughter in the desert.”
Shane Gillis notably turned down what he described as a “significant” financial offer, revealing on Secret Podcast: “I’m not doing it. Then they doubled the bag. It was a significant bag. But I’d already said no. I took a principled stand.”
Others have been more candid about their motivations. Mark Normand acknowledged his straightforward approach: “I’m going in and out. Just to get that paycheck.”
But Trussell continued with his commentary: “It goes without saying that I am beyond disappointed to see my brethren travel to such a foul land to share their craft—especially when they could just as easily perform in America, a country that has never violated a single human right. A shining light upon a hill. God bless her.”
Trussell then completed his rant by saying: “This weekend I will not be getting paid half a million dollars to perform in Saudi Arabia, but will be in Salt Lake City at Wise Guys, where I will forego my jokes to expound upon the writings of bell hooks.”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival represents part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy and softening its international reputation through entertainment and cultural events.
