Some of the world’s best-known comedians -- including American performers Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Louis C.K., and Bill Burr -- have been dubbed “sellouts” for taking part in a Saudi state-sponsored comedy festival in the wake of another journalist’s killing, and a reported rise in executions for non-lethal and drug-related crimes, along with long prison sentences imposed for social media posts.

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government, is a new, lucrative gig for big-name comedians as the country expands its entertainment sector as part of “Saudi Vision 2030.” The initiative, brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also includes the highly-controversial LIV Golf tournament and investments in the tech, gaming, and venture capital sectors.

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[–] 37 points 1 year ago (3 children)

This shocked me about a lot of esports events. Sooo much saudi sponsorship and people going to LAN events there. Really disgusting.

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  • [–] 18 points 1 year ago

    Yeah I’ve ignored the ESWC because it’s just Saudi attempting to improve its image without actually changing their ways. And I am a huge SC2 fan so it hurts to ignore the biggest tournament of the year

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  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago

    Same with the World Rally Championship. They added a new desert rally hosted in SA. A desert rally does sound really cool, but I can't support it. They're adding it the same year they are doing a women only promotional competition as well.

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