Dave Chappelle criticized the status of free speech in the United States while on stage at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
— The Hollywood Reporter (@thr.com) October 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The New York Times quoted Dave Chappelle during his headlining set at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudia Arabia:
Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out. It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.
A reminder is led by Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) allegedly ordered the murder of a journalist on the premises of a Saudi consulate. How’s that for free speech?
I’m locking this post out of an abundance of caution because the guy with the big head who got got is mentioned, so maybe Chappelle has a point about being cancelled if you talk about Charlie Kirk but like… the last part. Come on, dude. I’d like to see a comedian talk freely about the Saudi royal family during their sets in Riyadh!!