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Coverage dated October 7, 2025

Bill Burr condemns "sanctimonious" critics of Saudi comedy performance

Headline from Newsweek

The comedy festival in Saudi Arabia’s capital has become something of a cultural flashpoint, with the comedians taking part facing increasing scrutiny over their performances.

Newsweek's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Read the reports

Reports & sources

6 articles, oldest first.

  1. Avclub

    Bill Burr sounds real pissy about the Riyadh Comedy Festival backlash (opens Avclub)

    Published

    Avclub's feed description

    Bill Burr has a lot to say about his critics, and very little about the Saudi Arabian government that funded the Riyadh Comedy Festival.

  2. Newsweek

    Bill Burr condemns "sanctimonious" critics of Saudi comedy performance (opens Newsweek)

    Published

    Newsweek's feed description

    The comedy festival in Saudi Arabia’s capital has become something of a cultural flashpoint, with the comedians taking part facing increasing scrutiny over their performances.

  3. The Guardian

    Bill Burr defends Riyadh comedy festival spot: ‘It felt right afterward’ (opens The Guardian)

    Published

    The Guardian's feed description

    Comedian attacks those who criticised him for taking part in controversial event, calling them ‘phony’

  4. Variety

    Bill Burr Slams Riyadh Comedy Festival Backlash as ‘Bulls—‘ and Roasts Critics: ‘I Don’t Give a F— What These Phony F—ing People Are Saying’ (opens Variety)

    Published

    Variety's feed description

    Bill Burr says he does not care if performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival ruins his career and continues to defend performing in Saudi Arabia.

  5. The Hollywood Reporter

    Bill Burr Fires Back at Critics of His Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance: “Sanctimonious C***s” (opens The Hollywood Reporter)

    Published

    The Hollywood Reporter's feed description

    Comedian Bill Burr slammed the online outrage over his recent trip to Saudi Arabia for the Riyadh Comedy Festival while speaking to Conan O'Brien.

  6. Fox News

    Bill Burr blasts critics of Saudi Arabia comedy festival visit in expletive-laden interview (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    Bill Burr faces backlash for performing at Saudi Arabia comedy festival amid human rights concerns, but the comedian dismisses critics in profanity-laden response.

Bill Burr condemns "sanctimonious" critics of Saudi comedy performance | Since Then