No laugh matter: Is Saudi festival a case of 'comedy washing'? | Daily Podcast with Niall Paterson

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Can you put a price on freedom of speech?

Comedy royalty including Dave Chapelle and Jimmy Carr, famous for defending their right to say whatever they want, have been paid big money by the Saudi government to appear at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival.

But there's a catch - they're not allowed to say anything that could cause "embarrassment" to Saudi Arabia, its royal family or any religion. The outcry has given you a new phrase to learn - "comedy washing".

What is comedy washing and what evidence is there Saudi Arabia is trying to carry it out? Why have comedians agreed to perform at the festival and how can they defend their decision?

Niall is joined by stand-up comedian and host of the Pod Save The UK podcast Nish Kumar.

Producers: Tom Gillespie, Soila Apparicio
Editor: Mike Bovill
Digital Producer: David Chipakupaku

#riyadh #saudiarabia #comedy

Post from Sky News on October 10, 2025

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