Jimmy Kimmel Presses Aziz Ansari Over Riyadh Comedy Festival Performance: “These Are Not Good People”

On Tuesday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, host Jimmy Kimmel engaged in a tense and direct conversation with comedian Aziz Ansari over his recent performance at the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival, a state-sponsored event held in Saudi Arabia.

“This has become a big news topic, especially among comedians,” Kimmel began. “Because the people who organized and funded this event are not good people. It’s a brutal regime. They’ve done some truly horrible things.”

Referring to Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian government, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Kimmel questioned Ansari’s decision to perform in the kingdom. “People are asking why you would go there, take their money, and perform in front of those people,” Kimmel said. “I’m curious—what made you say yes?”

Ansari responded thoughtfully, explaining that his decision wasn’t made lightly. “I really thought about it a lot,” he said, revealing that he had consulted his aunt, who used to live in Saudi Arabia, before committing. “There are people in that country who don’t agree with what the government is doing. Assigning the worst of the regime’s actions to all of the people—that’s not fair. Just like here in America, there are people who don’t agree with everything the government does.”

While Kimmel acknowledged that the U.S. has its own issues—“We’re doing horrible things over here too,” he said—he pushed back on the comparison. “They murdered a journalist,” Kimmel said bluntly, referencing the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. “These are not good people.”

Ansari clarified that his intent was not to support the regime, but to connect with the people. “I was just there to do a show for the people,” he said. “In repressive societies like this, regimes often try to keep things out—whether it’s rock music or blue jeans—because it brings in outside ideas, outside values. Half the country is under 25. Things can change. A comedy festival, to me, felt like something that could push things in a more open direction.”

He added, “You have to choose: do you isolate, or do you engage? For me, especially given who I am—how I look, my Muslim background—it felt like something I should be part of. I hope it sparks something positive.”

Kimmel, speaking the following day at the Bloomberg Screentime event in Hollywood, reflected on the interview. “I wouldn’t have gone,” he said. “But I wanted to hear his reasons, and honestly, I thought he made some compelling points.”

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, which ran from September 26 to October 9, attracted widespread criticism from some corners of the comedy world, even as it featured an all-star lineup including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Louis C.K., Pete Davidson, and others.

Comedian Marc Maron was among the first to voice his disapproval, saying on his podcast: “The same guy who’s paying them is the same guy who paid to have Jamal Khashoggi bone-sawed and stuffed in a suitcase.”

Shane Gillis revealed he turned down a large paycheck—reportedly in the mid-six-figures to $1.6 million per show—citing moral reasons: “I took a principled stand,” he said.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she had also declined an offer to perform at the festival, writing: “The money is coming straight from the Crown Prince, who actively executes journalists, drug offenders, bloggers, etc. without due process.” She also shared screenshots of an alleged contract that included “content restrictions” prohibiting comedians from making jokes about the Saudi government, legal system, or religious customs.

David Cross issued a strong statement condemning fellow comics who accepted the gig: “How can any of us take any of you seriously ever again? You don’t get to complain about cancel culture or free speech anymore. We’ve all seen the contracts you signed.”

Despite the backlash, several comedians have defended their decision to participate. Bill Burr called it “one of the top three experiences I’ve had,” saying “the royals loved the show.” Louis C.K. described it as a “good opportunity,” adding, “Comedy is a great way to get in and start talking.” Dave Chappelle even joked on stage in Riyadh, “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.”

Kimmel’s interview with Ansari stood out for its directness and tone. It was a rare moment where a late-night host publicly questioned a guest over their ethical choices, while still allowing space for thoughtful dialogue.

Watch the full conversation between Jimmy Kimmel and Aziz Ansari below.