Lesbian standup Jessica Kirson claims to feel “sincere regret” after performing at the Saudi Arabian Riyadh Comedy Festival.
According to Them, this festival has been heavily scrutinized as attempting to “whitewash the Saudi regime,” infamous for killing journalists and criminalizing LGBTQ+ people. Fellow standup comedian Atsuko Okatsuka shared that she declined performing and revealed the content censorship rules comedians are required to follow—banning “ridicule” of the royal family, legal system, government, and religious practices.
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Kirson says that she regretted having accepted the offer, and that since, has donated the money she received from performing to a human rights organization.
Kirson expresses that her participation at the festival came from wanting to “help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued.” She told The Hollywood Reporter that, “As an openly gay person, when I was asked to perform in Riyadh, I was surprised. I requested a guarantee that I could be openly out as a lesbian on stage and perform gay material.” Later she adds, “to my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia.”
Kirson’s appearance at the festival sparked outrage with fans who claimed that events in Saudi Arabia like the Riyadh Comedy Festival distract from the government’s history of censorship and human rights violations.
Queer content is frequently censored in Saudi Arabia, which has been labelled as one of the most dangerous countries for LGBTQ+ people. According to Amnesty International, the country has even sentenced people convicted of “sodomy” and homosexuality to the death penalty.
“To my fans: I see you. I hear you.” Kirston apologized, adding, “I love you all, and I am genuinely sorry for making a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider. I will take full responsibility for my actions and dedicate myself to making amends so that my words and choices reflect the respect and care you deserve.”
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