Comedian Exposes Censorship Rules at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Reveals Censorship Rules at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival LOS ANGELES - Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka has shed light on the alleged censorship rules she was presented with to perform at Saudi Arabia's ongoing Riyadh Comedy Festival. According to a screenshot shared by Okatsuka on Threads, the comedian was offered a booking that came with strict guidelines on what jokes could be made. Okatsuka noted in her post that accepting the offer would mean adhering to censorship rules, which she described as "a lot of you can't say anything anymore!" The comedian also pointed out that the money for the festival is coming directly from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been criticized for human rights abuses. Okatsuka wrote, "The money is coming straight from the Crown Prince, who actively executes journalists, ppl with nonlethal drug offenses, bloggers, etc without due process." Multiple comedians have reportedly agreed to perform at the festival under these censorship rules. The Riyadh Comedy Festival kicked off on October 15 and will run until October 20. Background information suggests that Saudi Arabia has been cracking down on free speech in recent years. In 2018, the country introduced a new anti-cybercrime law that allows for harsh penalties, including prison sentences and fines, for individuals who post content deemed "offensive" or "insulting." This move has raised concerns among human rights groups and comedians alike. When asked about her decision to share the alleged offer on social media, Okatsuka stated, "I wanted to bring attention to the fact that even though some comedians are performing at this festival, they're still being censored. It's not just me; it's a lot of us who are being told what we can and cannot say." Industry experts point out that the censorship rules imposed on comedians at the Riyadh Comedy Festival highlight the complexities of free speech in Saudi Arabia. "It's a delicate balance between allowing artistic expression and maintaining social order," said Dr. Sarah Al-Suhaimi, a professor of media studies at King Saud University. The Riyadh Comedy Festival has faced criticism from human rights groups and comedians who have refused to perform under the censorship rules. The festival's organizers have not commented on the allegations. As the festival continues, it remains to be seen how many comedians will choose to speak out against the alleged censorship rules. For now, Okatsuka's revelation has sparked a necessary conversation about the limits of free speech in Saudi Arabia and the implications for artists and comedians worldwide. Additional Perspectives Dr. Al-Suhaimi noted that the censorship rules imposed on comedians at the Riyadh Comedy Festival are part of a broader trend in Saudi Arabia to restrict artistic expression. Okatsuka's decision to share the alleged offer on social media has sparked debate among comedians and industry experts about the importance of speaking out against censorship. Current Status and Next Developments The Riyadh Comedy Festival will continue until October 20. It remains unclear how many comedians will choose to speak out against the alleged censorship rules. As the festival comes to a close, it is likely that the controversy surrounding the censorship rules will only intensify. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*