Jimmy Carr defends controversial gig in Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh Comedy Festival
Jimmy Carr has spoken out following backlash over his controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival appearance as Amnesty International UK say “no amount of laughter can disguise the reality of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.”
Comedian Jimmy Carr has said people should “give up” on the idea that the Middle East is the same as Western Europe as he defended his decision to perform at a controversial gig in Saudi Arabia. The 53-year old, known for his stand-up routines and hosting roles on shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, was one of the acts who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in October.
He was among the stars who were criticised for taking part, with concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and Human Rights Watch claiming the festival deflected attention from the government’s “brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations”.
Saudi Arabia is known for its ultra-conservatism and has had a track record of human rights violations according to human rights group Amnesty International UK, including allegations of journalists and activists being imprisoned or sometimes killed for criticising the Crown Prince.
Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Carr spoke about his decision to perform, arguing that people’s perceptions of the Middle East should change. He said: “I played it. I loved it.
“I think we need to give up on the idea that the Middle East becomes Western Europe. The Middle East is a very different place and the same people that will tell you ‘diversity is our strength’ will tell you ‘don’t go there. They’re not like us’.
“The thing that I like about Saudi Arabia is the direction of travel. Look at where it was 10 years ago. Look at where it is now. The direction of travel is pretty good.”
Amnesty International criticised the comedian’s comments as hypocritical. Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s head of campaigns, said: “This is entertainment-washing in action – using big-name comedians and glossy festivals to project reform while repression continues offstage.
“No amount of laughter can disguise the reality of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Last year alone, a record 345 people were executed, many after deeply flawed trials.
“Peaceful women’s rights activists like Manahel al-Otaibi remain behind bars, while British nationals such as Ahmed al-Doush have been jailed over social media posts. To this day, justice is still denied to the family of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“Comedians performing there should ask whether they are challenging repression or helping to legitimise it. Performing ‘free speech’ in a country where speaking freely can cost you your life isn’t brave – it’s hypocrisy.”
The line-up of mostly male comedians were also criticised for being paid to ‘look the other way’, with rumours of high appearance fees.
When asked directly how much Carr was paid, he said: “I was paid, I would say, a commensurate amount with selling out an 8,000 seater room. So it’s a big room, and I got paid. I earned it.”