They're making sex jokes in Saudi: Inside the controversial comedy festival

The Riyadh Comedy Festival, featuring A-listers like Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr, has stirred controversy for its explicit content in the traditionally conservative Saudi Arabia. Comedians steered clear of addressing the country's human rights issues, prompting criticism from some artists and human rights groups. Despite backlash, the festival has drawn a mix of Saudi nationals and expats, reflecting the country's push for cultural diversification as part of its Vision 2023 plan. The event's timing, coinciding with the anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder, has also sparked debate on the ethics of performers accepting large sums of money to entertain in a politically sensitive environment.