URGENT UPDATE: Comedian Bill Burr has fired back at critics of his appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, calling them “sanctimonious c***s” during a live podcast recording with Conan O’Brien on October 1, 2023. The festival, running from September 26 to October 9, has drawn intense scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia’s controversial human rights record.
Burr joined a star-studded lineup of comedians, including Dave Chappelle and Kevin Hart, for an event that has sparked widespread outrage. Critics like Marc Maron and David Cross slammed the festival, claiming it overlooks serious human rights abuses in the kingdom. In response, Burr defended the event, emphasizing the positive reception from audiences and the potential for cultural exchange.
During the podcast, Burr recounted his experience in Saudi Arabia, calling it “a mind-blowing experience” and expressing pride in performing comedy in the country. He stated, “The royals loved the show. Everyone was happy,” highlighting the enthusiasm from the local audience. Burr’s remarks came as he addressed the backlash from fellow comedians, asserting that they were out of touch with the realities of cultural engagement.
Burr passionately denounced the outrage, suggesting it was fueled by online bots and a lack of understanding. He quipped, “The general consensus is, ‘How dare you go to that place and make those oppressed people laugh?’” He argued that events like the Riyadh Comedy Festival are necessary for progress, stating, “It felt right afterward… I vibed with them and they were funny.”
In a provocative moment, O’Brien joked about Burr needing to apologize, but Burr made it clear he would not back down, warning about the dangers of political correctness. He referenced troubling trends in the U.S., stating, “We’re moving towards them,” referring to recent immigration crackdowns.
Burr also praised fellow comedian Jessica Kirson, who performed at the festival and faced backlash for her act. He applauded her bravery for openly addressing her identity in a conservative environment, noting, “33 years of comedy, that’s the biggest balls of anyone I’ve ever seen.”
Despite the uproar, Burr remains unfazed by potential career repercussions, saying, “I don’t give a fuck what all these phony people are saying.” He stated that he prioritizes authentic experiences over public opinion, emphasizing the importance of bridging cultural gaps through comedy.
As the conversation unfolded, Burr’s tone was both combative and reflective, revealing the complexities of performing in a controversial setting. He concluded by reiterating the necessity of such events for fostering change in the region.
This live episode of “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” is available now for SiriusXM Podcasts+ subscribers and will be released widely on October 15, 2023.
