Dave Chappelle mocks US free speech with Charlie Kirk jab at Saudi comedy fest, draws backlash

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: Comedian Dave Chappelle is facing a wave of backlash online after allegedly declaring that he enjoys more free speech in Saudi Arabia than in the United States.

During a performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival on Thursday, October 2, Chappelle apparently remarked in relation to the US, “You will get canceled if you talk about Charlie Kirk,” drawing sharp criticism across social media.

His comments come amid a heated controversy surrounding late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who was recently suspended after suggesting that the person accused of fatally shooting conservative figure Kirk at Utah Valley University was affiliated with the MAGA movement.

'The Jimmy Kimmel Live' has since returned to airing, but the fallout continues.

Dave Chappelle says it's 'easier to talk' in Saudi Arabia than in the US

While performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, Dave Chappelle claimed he has more freedom to joke about political figures, specifically Charlie Kirk, than he does in the United States.

Chappelle was one of over 50 comedians featured at the festival, an event already under scrutiny due to its location in a country widely criticized for human rights abuses and an authoritarian government.

Chappelle is said to have told the 6,000-strong crowd, “Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out.” He also reportedly added, “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America."

Later in his set, Chappelle seemed to express concern about returning home, saying he feared facing repercussions for speaking freely, "They are going to do something to me so that I can't say what I want to say."

The moment resonated with at least one local audience member, who referenced the recent controversy surrounding 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' The late-night show was briefly suspended by ABC after Kimmel commented on the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University.

“It’s surprising to hear Chappelle talk about Charlie Kirk in Riyadh, when just recently America canceled Jimmy Kimmel for doing the same,” the attendee remarked to The Hollywood Reporter.

Though Chappelle’s remarks may fall under the umbrella of comedy, many are calling out the irony of a comedian praising free speech in a country known for censorship. 

ECDHR reported that, "In 2022 alone, the kingdom made headlines for the arrest of 15 individuals, being sentenced in a range of ten to 45 years, solely based on their online activities."

The same article states that freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia has a low score of 24 out of 100 on the Freedom of the Net ranking. 

Internet slams Dave Chappelle for claiming he has more free speech in Saudi Arabia

As the claims of Dave Chappelle took a round across social media platforms, several internet users were quick to share their comments online, slamming him.

One wrote, "'It's easier to talk here' -Man who wouldve been jailed if he joked about the royal family."

Another commenter declared, "A guy going to Saudi Arabia to complain about free speech in the US is next level idiocy."

"Make a joke about their religion, rules, dress sense, misogyny, homophobia, use of foreign slave labour and see how free your speech is," a person remarked. 

One more said, "Try criticizing the Saudi royal family the way Kimmel criticizes trump and see how much free speech he has over there. Truly dispicable."

An individual simply said, "That is a very funny joke, Dave. Good one!"

"Someone should tell him about what happens when journalists disapprove of the Saudi regime. What a clown. Dude has literally never been silenced. He says dumb s**t constantly," one more expressed. 

Controversy grows around the Riyadh Comedy Festival

The Riyadh Comedy Festival has become a lightning rod for controversy, with several comedians either pulling out or being dropped due to alleged criticism related to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and government censorship.

Comedian Tim Dillon stirred further debate after revealing at the September 20 episode of 'The Tim Dillon Show' that he was paid $375,000 for his appearance, and claimed some comedians were earning as much as $1.6 million. Dillon, who is openly gay, was ultimately removed from the lineup after making jokes about migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

Australian comedian Jim Jefferies was also cut from the festival following remarks critical of the Saudi regime, which he made during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast.

Meanwhile, comedian Bill Burr, who did perform at the event, defended his participation and spoke positively about the experience. “It was great to experience that part of the world and to be a part of the first comedy festival over there in Saudi Arabia,” Burr said on his podcast.

He noted that the performers had negotiated the festival’s boundaries down to two red lines, “Don’t make fun of the royals [and] religion.”

Not all comedians shared that enthusiasm. David Cross, known for his role in 'Arrested Development', publicly condemned those who chose to perform at the festival.

In an open letter, he wrote, “I am disgusted and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing, that people I admire, with unarguable talent, would condone this totalitarian fiefdom for … what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers? We can never again take seriously anything these comedians complain about."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.