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comedian jimmy carr Saudi Arabia has defended its controversial performance at an event, saying Western perceptions of the Middle East need to evolve.
The 53-year-old is known for his stand-up and roles in shows 8 out of 10 catswas one of the artists in October Riyadh Comedy Festival,
His involvement was widely criticized, primarily because of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Human Rights Watch specifically claimed that the celebration was intended to distract attention from the government’s “brutal repression of free speech and other widespread human rights violations.”
addressing his decision on Louis Theroux PodcastCarr argued that individuals should “let go” of the notion that the Middle East is the same as Western Europe.
He said, “I played it. I liked it.”
“I think we should abandon this idea that the Middle East becomes Western Europe.
“The Middle East is a very different place and the same people who would tell you that ‘Diversity is our strength’ will tell you that ‘Don’t go there. They’re not like us.’
“The thing I like about Saudi Arabia is the direction of travel. Look where it was 10 years ago. Look where it is now. The direction of travel is very good.”
Saudi Arabia is known for its ultra-conservatism and according to Amnesty International UK it has a track record of human rights violations, including allegations of corruption. Journalists and activists are being jailed or sometimes killed For criticizing the Crown Prince.
The line-up of mostly male comedians was also criticized for being paid to ‘look the other way’, along with rumors of high appearance fees.
When asked directly how much Carr was paid, he said: “I was paid, I would say, the equivalent of selling out an 8,000-seat room. So it’s a big room, and I got paid. I earned it.”
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Speaking about free speech and content that offends people, Carr said: “You have to deal with the consequences. If you’re going to say that, you have to be willing to say it and go, yes, I don’t regret saying that joke. It’s OK.
“Some people were really upset by it. That’s OK. I have people who come to see me and they really like that thing, and I have to serve them, not anyone else.”
human rights group Amnesty International The comedian’s comments have since been criticized as hypocritical.
Felix Jakens, head of campaigns for Amnesty International UK, said: “This is entertainment-deception in action – big-name comedians and glitzy festivals are used to present reform while repression continues offstage. No amount of laughter can hide the reality of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
“Last year alone, a record 345 people were executed, many of them after deeply flawed trials.
“Peaceful women’s rights activists like Manahel al-Otaibi remain behind bars, while British citizens like Ahmed al-Daoush have been jailed over social media posts. To date, the family of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has not received justice.”
“Comedians performing there should ask whether they are challenging oppression or helping to legitimize it. Offering ‘free speech’ in a country where speaking freely can cost you your life is not bravery – it is hypocrisy.”