David Cross has become the latest star to heavily criticise a host of comedians who have agreed to perform at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival.
- READ MORE: Soundtrack Of My Life: David Cross
Last week Marc Maron, Shane Gillis and Zach Woods hit out at a raft of A-list names for performing at the event, which is currently taking place at Boulevard City.
Their comments came after a report by nonprofit group Human Rights Watch recently stated that the Saudi government view the event as an opportunity to whitewash Saudi human rights abuses.
The comics specifically called out the country’s alleged role in 9/11 and the alleged assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi which a UN report previously said “the state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible” for. Saudi Arabia has always denied this.
Now, Arrested Development star Cross has also taken aim at comics including Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K. and Bill Burr in a lengthy post on Instagram for appearing at the event.
“I am disgusted, and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing,” Cross wrote. “That people I admire, with unarguable talent, would condone this totalitarian fiefdom for…what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?”
He continued: “We can never again take seriously anything these comedians complain about (unless it’s complaining that we don’t support enough torture and mass executions of journalists and LGBQT peace activists here in the states, or that we don’t terrorise enough Americans by flying planes into our buildings).”
Cross went on to call out specific names from the lineup, including comedy giant Chappelle, CK and Burr.
He added: “Clearly you guys don’t give a shit about what the rest of us think, but how can any of us take any of you seriously ever again?
“All of your bitching about ‘cancel culture’ and ‘freedom of speech’ and all that shit? Done. You don’t get to talk about it ever again. By now we’ve all seen the contract you had to sign.
“You’re performing for literally, the most oppressive regime on Earth. They have SLAVES for fuck’s sake!!!”
Chappelle, CK and Burr are yet to respond to his comments publicly.
Cross concluded his statement by encouraging his followers to “spend their money on something worthwhile” like donating to the Human Rights Foundation.
The festival was announced in July by Turki Al=Sheikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and it is part of the country’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop Saudi Arabia as a venue for major international cultural events.
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