American comics used Saudi Arabia’s first global comedy festival to skewer a debate raging at home. Critics said the event was part of Saudi efforts to draw attention away from a political crackdown.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival’s critics say that high-profile American comics are lending legitimacy to a government that represses dissent, jails activists and restricts free speech.

Bill Burr is defending his decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival after receiving backlash online and from fellow comedians.

Bill Burr used his latest Monday Morning Podcast episode to address mounting criticism surrounding his recent appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. The comedian spent the first ...

Resistance” comedy had struggled to find its mojo in Trump’s second term. Then came Colbert’s cancellation, “South Park” satire and the Kimmel uproar.

Bill Burr was among several high-profile comedians who traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, including Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and Pete Davidson. The post ...