Bill Burr Slams Riyadh Comedy Festival Critics as ‘Sanctimonious’ and ‘Phony’

Comedian Bill Burr has confidently defended his participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which has faced significant backlash. Burr, along with other notable comedians such as Kevin Hart and Aziz Ansari, has been criticized for joining the event dubbed “the world’s largest comedy festival.” Human Rights Watch has condemned the festival as a distraction from serious issues, including a dramatic rise in executions in Saudi Arabia.

Bill Burr’s Response to Critics

In a recent live podcast with Conan O’Brien, Burr referred to his critics as “sanctimonious.” He expressed pride in his performance at the festival, stating, “It felt right afterward.” Burr shared that he connected well with the audience, who he found to be genuinely funny. He emphasized the importance of such events for cultural exchange, arguing, “If you actually give a fuck about those people and how they’re living over there, there’s gonna have to be these types of things to pull them in.”

Concerns Over Human Rights

The festival has drawn ire for being insensitive to the ongoing human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. Comedian Jessica Kirson voiced her regret about the event, despite her intention to support LGBTQ+ individuals in a country where they face severe legal risks. Similarly, many within the human rights community criticized the line-up. Joey Shea, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, highlighted the significance of addressing human rights topics during such prominent events.

Statistics on Executions in Saudi Arabia

• In 2025, Saudi authorities executed at least 241 people.
• This number could surpass previous yearly records if trends continue.
• The rising executions coincide with the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

Other Comedians Weigh In

Kevin Hart and Louis CK have also responded to the controversy. Hart noted the complexity of the situation, having discussed it with his aunt who lived in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted that many people in the country do not support their government’s actions. Louis CK referred to the festival as a significant opportunity for dialogue and understanding through comedy.

As the conversation surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival continues, many in the entertainment community face a challenging balance between artistic expression and advocacy for human rights.