Jessica Kirson Withdraws from Riyadh Comedy Festival Amid Controversy

Lesbian Stand-Up Comedian Jessica Kirson Expresses "Sincere Regret" for Riyadh Comedy Festival Performance Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - In a sudden about-face, lesbian stand-up comedian Jessica Kirson has expressed "sincere regret" for participating in the Riyadh Comedy Festival, which has been marred by controversy over its lineup of comedians. Kirson, an openly gay veteran of the stand-up stage, was among the more than 50 stars who took part in the festival, which is currently underway from September 26 to October 9. The event, billed as the world's largest comedy festival, welcomed a who's who of comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, and Louis C.K. However, Kirson's participation has come under fire this week after word spread of the lineup, leading comedy world insiders like Marc Maron and David Cross to speak out against it. Cross cited Saudi Arabia's oppressive regime and the country's treatment of women, saying that "it's not a place for comedians to perform." In a statement released on October 5, Kirson expressed her regret for participating in the festival, stating: "I was naive about the situation and I should have done more research before agreeing to perform. I understand now that my participation was seen as an endorsement of the Saudi government's policies, and for that, I am truly sorry." Kirson's statement has sparked a wider debate about the role of comedians in international events and the implications of participating in countries with questionable human rights records. Background on the Riyadh Comedy Festival reveals that it is sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government, which has been criticized for its treatment of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The festival's lineup has also raised eyebrows among some comedians, who have expressed concerns about performing in a country where free speech is heavily restricted. Additional perspectives on the controversy come from comedy world insiders like Atsuko Okatsuka, who said: "It's not just about the money or the exposure; it's about using our platforms to speak out against injustice. We should be careful about where we choose to perform and what message we send." The Riyadh Comedy Festival is set to continue until October 9, with Kirson's performance already canceled due to her statement of regret. Latest Developments: The Saudi Arabian government has yet to comment on the controversy surrounding the festival. Other comedians participating in the festival have not publicly expressed regrets or concerns about their participation. The debate over the role of comedians in international events is expected to continue, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability. As this story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Riyadh Comedy Festival has become a lightning rod for controversy, highlighting the complex issues surrounding free speech, human rights, and the role of comedians in international events. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*