‘Can I say dirty stuff?’ Laughs in Saudi, but 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. | AFP

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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.

(AFP)

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.