Veteran comedian Bill Burr has dismissed criticism over his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, where he performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, declaring he doesn’t care what people think about his decision to participate in the event. During a live recording of ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,’ Burr used strong language to express his defiance, stating he would sit out his career for a while if it meant defending his actions.
The comedian’s remarks came amid concerns about human rights and free expression in Saudi Arabia, with critics viewing the event as a way for the government to promote cultural reforms without addressing the country’s ongoing human rights issues. The festival, organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was promoted as part of the nation’s Vision 2030 cultural reforms, although some argue such events may serve to gloss over the country’s human rights record.
The fallout from Burr’s appearance has sparked broader discussions within the comedy community about the ethics of performing in nations with controversial records. Some, like Bill Maher and Dave Chappelle, have publicly criticized other comedians for participating in the event, highlighting the complex interplay between free speech and political activism in the entertainment industry. Burr’s comments, however, emphasize his stance that personal freedom of expression should not be stifled by external criticism, regardless of the political implications.