Comedian Andrew Santino has addressed criticism surrounding his participation in a Saudi Arabian comedy festival, defending his decision by pointing to the modern appearance of the audience members who attended his show.
During a recent appearance on This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Santino discussed his experience performing in Riyadh, explaining that the reality on the ground differed significantly from what many critics assumed.
“My own American ignorance, I was like, well, they’re gonna be riding on camels and they’re all wearing coverups,” Santino admitted. “They were dressed, you know, like street kids for the most part. It’s 27-year-old 28-year-old kids who were wearing jeans and t-shirts and they just wanted to see us.”
The comedian emphasized that meeting fans after the show provided “a beautiful moment” that challenged his preconceptions about the country and its people. He argued that the young Saudi audience members appeared thoroughly Westernized in their clothing choices and demeanor.
Santino acknowledged the backlash that followed the festival, particularly criticism from within the comedy community itself. “What I didn’t like is in the community stabbing and going after other people in the community because I just think that’s an odd move,” he said. He pushed back against critics by highlighting what he sees as inherent hypocrisy in their arguments, questioning whether they apply the same scrutiny to other aspects of their lives.
The comedian also referenced fellow performer Jimmy Carr’s perspective on the controversy. According to Santino, Carr said, “I don’t always tend to look at where a country has been, you know, because they’re all flawed, but I’d like to see where they’re going.” Santino expressed hope that Saudi Arabia’s decision to bring Western entertainment represents “an attempt at progress and future and growth.”
Defending against accusations that the performance was purely financially motivated, Santino insisted that multiple motivations can coexist. “We perform for money and to bring comedy to people,” he stated. “These these these these two things can coexist.”
Santino also addressed critics who suggested performers were being paid by the Saudi government, explaining that government-backed entertainment initiatives are common worldwide. “Promoters and companies bring people in all the time,” he noted, suggesting this arrangement represents standard practice in the international entertainment industry.
