'Can I say dirty stuff?' Comics raise laughs in Saudi, frowns at home

Jokes about geriatric sex and endless profanity have been embraced by Saudi fans at the Riyadh Comedy Festival even as foreign comedians face a backlash for taking part.

The star-studded event, backed by a Saudi government body, has driven a wedge through the stand-up scene, as comics who staunchly defend free speech in the West are accused of hypocrisy.

It is one of a swath of new events in Saudi as the conservative kingdom, which has faced fierce criticism over its human rights record, tries to revamp its image and oil-reliant economy.

But in Riyadh, many locals were happy just to have a laugh as they lapped up the bawdy material.

"Can I say dirty stuff? Is that allowed here?" famed roastmaster Jeff Ross shouted to a packed crowd as he took the stage.

"Get dirty!" responded several in the crowd.

The American comedian -- who gained notoriety for ruthlessly filleting celebrities, athletes and other comedians -- did not hold back.

"Any porn stars in the crowd?" Ross later asked.

Following a brief silence, he then pointed to a member of the audience: "Explain the joke to him — he can't access porn sites," he quipped.

"What are they gonna do? Fire me? I'm only here for one show," Ross added, after telling a joke describing lewd acts between the late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.

Ross was just one of a number of leading comedians to perform in Riyadh, along with Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Russell Peters and Bill Burr.

The lineup also included openly gay performers. In the kingdom, homosexuality is criminalised and those practicing same-sex relationships can face the death penalty.

"I loved the show! There were no taboos. They talked about sex and subjects we're not used to hearing in public in Saudi Arabia," said Abdelaziz Rahman, a 24-year-old medical student.

"It was very refreshing."

- 'Disgusted' -

The scene would have been unimaginable in Saudi Arabia just a few years ago, when tourist visas were rarely issued and the religious police roamed the streets enforcing an ultra-austere strain of Islam.

But much has changed.

The kingdom, under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has doubled down on economic and social reforms that have seen the religious police muzzled and billions invested in entertainment and sports.

Some of the world's most famous athletes now compete in Saudi Arabia, including boxers, footballers and F1 racing drivers.

Musicians like Jennifer Lopez, Eminem and David Guetta have also taken the stage in front of thousands of adoring fans.

The deluge of investment has prompted numerous accusations by rights groups that Saudi officials were merely using cash to whitewash their human rights record.

But this year's inaugural comedy festival seems to have struck a particular chord.

While many marquee names took part, others pushed back -- either refusing to perform in Saudi Arabia or lambasting their fellow comics who did.

Marc Maron and David Cross were among the leading voices to tee off on some of their close friends for accepting the gig, accusing them of caving to censorship for the sake of a payday.

"I am disgusted, and deeply disappointed... that people I admire, with unarguable talent, would condone this totalitarian fiefdom," Cross wrote in an open letter.

For "what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?" he asked.

Tim Dillon, a popular comic and podcaster, said his planned performance at the festival was cancelled after he made comments about alleged illicit labour practices in the kingdom.

- 'Mixed feelings' -

"On my own show, in my own country where I have the freedom to speak and say what I want, I'm going to be funny and going to be who I am. You're not buying that," he said during a recent podcast.

Louis CK defended his participation during a televised interview with Bill Maher on Friday, saying he planned to visit a local comedy club while in Riyadh.

"I just think that comedy is a great way to get in and start talking," he said, adding that promoters laid out two restrictions: don't criticise religion or the government.

But the comedian said the backlash shouldn't be ignored either.

"When are you appeasing? When are you engaging? I have mixed feelings about it, too," he added.

US comic Pete Davidson, whose father was a firefighter killed in the 9/11 attacks by mostly Saudi militants, also defended his decision to take part.

Jessica Kirson, who is openly gay, said she regretted performing in Riyadh and donated her appearance money to a human rights organisation.

For fans in Saudi Arabia, however, much of the criticism reeked of double standards.

"Do people tell artists to stop performing in the US because of Guantanamo?" Mohammed Shaalan, a 31-year-old bank employee, told AFP, referring to the American base in Cuba where suspected militants are held.

"Why shouldn't we also get to see our favourite comedians live on stage?"