The Saudi Arabia comedy festival has become a lightning rod of controversy after comedian Tim Dillon inadvertently leaked performer paychecks and subsequently got fired for making jokes about slavery on his own podcast.
During an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Dillon revealed he was being paid $375,000 for a single show at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. More significantly, he disclosed that other performers were receiving anywhere from $150,000 to $1.6 million, with the highest amounts likely going to headliners like Dave Chappelle or Louis C.K.
The revelation sparked outrage among comedy fans and fellow performers, especially considering the substantial sums being paid by a regime with a documented history of human rights violations. What made matters worse for Dillon was that his candid discussion about Saudi labor practices on his podcast ultimately cost him the lucrative gig.
“My agent called me and told me they heard what you said about them having slaves,” Dillon explained after being fired. “I said I was being positive about it. I was defending them… I literally said slaves are probably hard workers and for the most part agreeable.” Despite his claims that he was actually defending Saudi practices in his characteristically dark comedic style, festival organizers weren’t amused.
The contract restrictions, leaked by comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, reveal the extent of censorship performers must accept. The agreement explicitly prohibits any material that could “degrade, defame, or bring into public disrepute” Saudi Arabia, its leadership, the royal family, government, or “any religion, religious tradition, religious figure, or religious practice.”
Several comedians have publicly refused to participate. Shane Gillis turned down what he called a “significant bag” even after organizers doubled their offer, stating “I took a principled stand. You don’t 9/11 your friends.” Mike Birbiglia and Leslie Liao also passed on the opportunity.
Critics argue that accepting such payments amounts to “sportswashing” – helping authoritarian regimes improve their international image through entertainment spectacles.
For Dillon, the irony is particularly sharp. He was fired not for criticizing Saudi practices, but for mentioning slavery at all, even in what he considered a supportive context.
