The comedian pushes back against backlash, calling criticism of her performance rooted in prejudice rather than principle.

A Bold Defense Amidst Controversy

October 14, 2025: Comedian Whitney Cummings has sparked significant debate by defending her participation in the 2025 Riyadh Comedy Festival, labeling critics of the event as “just racist.” Appearing on her podcast, Good For You, Cummings expressed frustration with the backlash, stating, “When people are going like, ‘You’re doing something unethical,’ I’m like, ‘Oh, these must be ethical people, let me listen.’ And then you’re like, ‘Oh no, you’re just racist.'” She further questioned the consistency of critics’ stances, suggesting that similar scrutiny isn’t applied to other international engagements by artists.

Distinguishing Government from People

Cummings emphasized her belief in separating a nation’s government from its people. She remarked, “I don’t operate under the idea that every government and their people are the same,” challenging the notion that criticism of a regime should extend to its citizens. This perspective aligns with arguments made by other comedians at the festival, such as Aziz Ansari and Louis C.K., who defended their performances as opportunities to engage with and entertain the Saudi populace, rather than endorsing the government’s policies.

Addressing Allegations of Hypocrisy

In response to accusations of hypocrisy, Cummings pointed to the broader entertainment industry’s ties to Saudi Arabia. She highlighted that many comedians have worked with Live Nation, a company that has conducted business in the kingdom, suggesting that their criticism of the Riyadh festival might be inconsistent. “When you get a sec, google ‘Saudi Arabia Live Nation’ so you can be informed on the fact that anyone who has worked with Live Nation, every stand-up comic, has taken Saudi money,” Cummings stated.

A Divided Comedy Community

The Riyadh Comedy Festival has elicited mixed reactions within the comedy community. While Cummings and others defend their participation as a form of cultural exchange, many prominent comedians, including Marc Maron and David Cross, have publicly condemned the event. They argue that performing in Saudi Arabia risks legitimizing a regime with a troubling human rights record, including restrictions on free speech and the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Cummings’ comments have intensified the ongoing debate about the ethical considerations of performing in countries with controversial political climates. As the conversation continues, it underscores the complex interplay between art, politics, and social responsibility in the global entertainment industry.