The openly lesbian American stand-up comedian Jessica Kirson has apologized for performing at a comedy festival in the Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh. The Riyadh Comedy Festival is taking place for the first time, featuring a lineup of internationally renowned comedians such as Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, Jimmy Carr, and the controversial Dave Chappelle, infamous for his anti-queer remarks.
“I want to express my sincere regret that I performed under a government that continually violates fundamental human rights,” the 55-year-old said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Kirson: Demanded a Guarantee to Speak About Homosexuality
Kirson explained why she initially believed the appearance might be a good idea. “As an artist, my mission is always to help people feel less alone. When I was asked, as an openly lesbian person, whether I should perform in Riyadh, I was surprised. I requested a guarantee that I could be openly lesbian on stage and talk about homosexuality. I hoped that this would help LGBTQ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued.” She said she was then glad to be able to perform as perhaps the first openly gay person on stage.
Now, however, she regrets performing “under the patronage of the Saudi government.” She has donated her entire fee to a human rights organization. Addressing her fans, she stated: “I love you all, and I’m truly sorry for making a poor decision that I didn’t think through properly.” She takes responsibility for it and will dedicate herself to making amends “so that my words and actions reflect the respect and care you deserve.”
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Instagram / jessykirson | Kirson tritt gewöhnlich hauptsächlich in New Yorker Comedy-Clubs auf
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Background is that queer people in Saudi Arabia face persecution like in few other countries. Legally, homosexuals can face flogging or even the death penalty. Restrictions on the rights of women, religious minorities, and migrant workers, as well as political repression and torture by the regime, are also criticized. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has nonetheless tried to polish its image through large-scale events.
Human rights organizations and even some comedians accused Saudi Arabia of using the comedy festival as a PR instrument to mask its human rights deficits. Many of the comedians involved appeared to flatter the Saudi regime. Dave Chappelle reportedly told about 6,000 audience members in Riyadh, according to The New York Times (paywalled): “It’s easier to talk here than in America.”
Almost a year ago, Saudi Arabia scored a notable coup: FIFA announced that the Kingdom would host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup (TheColu.mn reported). (dk)
