Louis CK defends himself by playing Riyad Comedy Fest

Louis CK explains why he decided to participate in Saudi ArabiaRiyadh comedy festival.

When it appeared on Friday on In real time with Bill MaherHe defended his choice to perform at the Comedy Festival which aroused controversy since he started last Friday. The subject of comics prohibited not to make jokes on certain themes appeared in his conversation with Bill Maher, to which CK said that the other actors he knew who were at the festival were “was really surprised by what is happening”.

“When I speak to the other actors who are there, they were really surprised by what is happening. There is a woman who is a lesbian and Jewish, who made a show there, and she had a standing ovation. So, there are things happening in this thing,” he said. “People have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians will play Arab countries. There has been a film festival recently, it is somehow open. But I have always said no to the Arab countries.”

CK continued: “And when it happened, they said there were only two restrictions – their religion and their government, I have no jokes on these two things. It was before when I had offers of places like that, there would be a long list, and I would simply say:” No, I don’t need that. “But when I heard that it is opening, I thought it is terribly interesting.

The Riyadh festival started on September 26 and will end on October 9. Alongside CK, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Carr, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Whitney Cummings, Russell Peters, Gabriel Iglesias and Andrew Schulz, among others, are presented on the range.

Last week, Atsuko Okatsuka shared details From his offer to appear in Riyadh, who described the “rules of censorship” against jokes on the subjects described. David Cross Also, criticized those who chose to play, writing on his website: “I am disgusted and deeply disappointed with this all -fat thing. That the people I admire, with an uninhabitable talent, to tolerate this totalitarian stronghold for … what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?

Before that, Marc Maron spoke out against those who participate in the Comedy Festival.

“I mean, how do you even promote this? You know, like” people who brought you on September 11. Two weeks of laughing in the desert, don’t miss it! “” Said Maron. “I mean, the same guy who will pay them is the same guy who paid this guy to Bone saw (journalist) Jamal Khashoggi and put him in a fucking suitcase. But don’t let it stop the Yucks, it’s going to be a good time!”

The Emmy winner recognized the wider conversation on the festival. “I also had mixed feelings on this subject. I had a hard time going once I heard what everyone said,” said CK. “There is good in it, maybe a bad inside. But for me, I think it is cutting. This is my decision, and I know where it comes from, because I can see just in me.”

CK added: “I love the comedy standing, and I like the actors. So, the fact that it opens and starts to bud, I want to see it, I want to be part of it. I think it’s a positive thing.”

The six -time winner Emmy is expected to perform at Riyad Fest on Monday alongside Carr.