{"id":2069450,"date":"2025-10-04T22:43:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T22:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2069450"},"modified":"2025-10-04T22:43:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-04T22:43:15","slug":"bill-maher-criticizes-dave-chappelle-for-remarks-on-free-speech-at-saudi-comedy-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/bill-maher-criticizes-dave-chappelle-for-remarks-on-free-speech-at-saudi-comedy-festival\/","title":{"rendered":"Bill Maher criticizes Dave Chappelle for remarks on free speech at Saudi comedy festival"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Real Time&#8221; host <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/person\/bill-maher\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bill Maher;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bill Maher<\/a> called out comedian Dave Chappelle Friday for downplaying free speech in America during his performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia last week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Dave Chappelle \u2026 was in the press today saying that you can speak more freely over here than in America,&#8221; Maher told comedian Louis C.K., who is set to perform at the Saudi comedy festival on Monday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">C.K. let out a laugh and conceded, &#8220;I don&#8217;t know if that&#8217;s true.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/media\/chappelle-says-its-easier-talk-freely-saudi-arabian-comedy-fest-than-usa-brings-up-charlie-kirk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chappelle Says It's Easier To Speak Freely At Saudi Arabian Comedy Fest Than In Usa, Brings Up Charlie Kirk;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Chappelle Says It&#8217;s Easier To Speak Freely At Saudi Arabian Comedy Fest Than In Usa, Brings Up Charlie Kirk<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Oh, it&#8217;s not true,&#8221; Maher said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He added that if Chappelle truly believed that <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/world\/world-regions\/saudi-arabia\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Saudi Arabia;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Saudi Arabia<\/a> had fewer restrictions on free speech than America, he should have tested that claim by doing a routine about the Prophet Muhammad.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/foxnews.onelink.me\/xLDS\/mvaj7wvj\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Read On The Fox News App;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong><u>Read On The Fox News App<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Reacting to Maher&#8217;s suggestion, C.K. quickly clarified that Chappelle is a Muslim.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;So, it depends on who you are and what you want to talk about.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/media\/bill-maher-urges-americans-unconditionally-support-free-speech-avoid-becoming-like-britain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bill Maher Urges Americans To Unconditionally Support Free Speech, Avoid Becoming Like Britain;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Bill Maher Urges Americans To Unconditionally Support Free Speech, Avoid Becoming Like Britain<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">According to The New York Times, Chappelle told an audience of about 6,000 people, &#8220;Right now in America, they say that if you talk about <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/media\/charlie-kirk\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Charlie Kirk;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Charlie Kirk<\/a>, that you\u2019ll get canceled. I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s true, but I\u2019m gonna find out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/10\/02\/world\/middleeast\/saudi-comedy-festival-riyadh-free-speech.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Times reported;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">The Times reported<\/a> that Chappelle was met with &#8220;whoops, cheers and applause&#8221; after telling the crowd, &#8220;It\u2019s easier to talk here than it is in America.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Dave Chappelle during SNL Promos Jan. 14, 2025<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Comedians performing at the festival have come under fire in recent weeks, even receiving pushback from fellow comedians who argued that Saudi Arabia is using the high-profile event to improve its global image despite alleged human rights abuses.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/media\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong><u>Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a statement posted on his website, comedian and actor David Cross blasted his peers for taking part in the event, citing the host nation\u2019s &#8220;crimes against humanity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Cross referenced accusations that the Saudi government assisted 9\/11 hijackers, that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly ordered the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the kingdom\u2019s record on LGBTQ and women\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Cross wrote he was &#8220;disgusted and deeply disappointed in this whole gross thing,&#8221; accusing the participants of condoning &#8220;a totalitarian fiefdom for \u2026 what, a fourth house? A boat? More sneakers?&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Shane Gillis with microphone\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/fdWHZs4vVEzmtfCp2cx4CQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/fox_news_text_979\/e36534eb55f687bca4ddc8f34eaae1ad\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Shane Gillis said he took a &#8220;principled stand&#8221; by turning down a &#8220;significant&#8221; offer to perform at the Saudi comedy festival.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">During a recent episode of &#8220;Matt and Shane&#8217;s Secret Podcast,&#8221; comedian Shane Gillis revealed he was offered a &#8220;significant&#8221; amount of money to perform at the event but declined the job. He said the festival&#8217;s organizers doubled their offer, but he once again turned them down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;I took a principled stand,&#8221; Gillis said. &#8220;You don&#8217;t 9\/11 your friends.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Fox News Digital reached out to representatives of Chappelle for comment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><i>Fox News&#8217; Ashley Hume contributed to this report.<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Original article source:<\/em> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/media\/bill-maher-criticizes-dave-chappelle-remarks-free-speech-saudi-comedy-festival\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Bill Maher criticizes Dave Chappelle for remarks on free speech at Saudi comedy festival;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Bill Maher criticizes Dave Chappelle for remarks on free speech at Saudi comedy festival<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Real Time&#8221; host Bill Maher called out comedian Dave Chappelle Friday for downplaying free speech in America during his performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia last week. &#8220;Dave Chappelle \u2026 was in the press today saying that you can speak more freely over here than in America,&#8221; Maher told comedian Louis C.K., [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2069451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[350016,309127,386956,31595,358165,357563,365927],"class_list":["post-2069450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-america","tag-bill-maher","tag-comedy-festival","tag-dave-chappelle","tag-david-cross","tag-free-speech","tag-saudi-arabia"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bill-Maher-criticizes-Dave-Chappelle-for-remarks-on-free-speech.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2069450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2069450"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2069450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2069452,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2069450\/revisions\/2069452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2069451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2069450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2069450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2069450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}