Jessica Kirson Apologizes For Performing In Saudi Arabia And Donates Her Fee To Human Rights Group

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Comedian Jessica Kirson has issued an apology after performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, pledging to donate her full payment from the event to a human rights organization. The openly gay comic, long known for her connection to queer audiences, said she deeply regrets taking part in a festival held under the authority of the Saudi government.

The festival, which runs from September 26 to October 9, has drawn global criticism for its association with a government accused of widespread human rights abuses, particularly against women, journalists, and LGBTQ+ people. Big names such as Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, and Pete Davidson also appeared, prompting backlash from fans and fellow comics alike.

Kirson said she initially accepted the invitation with a hope that her visibility as an out lesbian might have a positive impact. In her statement, shared with The Hollywood Reporter, she explained that she only agreed to perform after securing confirmation that she could include queer material in her set.

Related: Saudi Arabian Lesbian Couple Declare Their Love For Each Other On Arabic TV

Her performance, she said, was historic in its own right. “To my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia,” she wrote, noting that she received messages from attendees who were moved by her openness. But the backlash on social media was immediate. Many fans accused her of hypocrisy for performing in a country where homosexuality remains criminalized. Others, including fellow comedians, questioned whether participating in the festival inadvertently lent credibility to an oppressive regime.

While other performers have defended their participation by describing the festival as a “great experience,” Kirson took a markedly different approach, including directing her earnings toward human rights causes.

“I have a special relationship with my fans because of the vulnerable nature of my comedy and the trust they place in me as part of the queer community,” she wrote. “To my fans: I see you. I hear you. Your voice matters to me. I love you all, and I am genuinely sorry for making a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider.”

Related: Disney Refuses To Cut Lesbian Content From Film, According To Saudi Officials

Below is Kirson’s full statement:

“On Sept. 29, I performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. This decision has weighed heavily on my heart ever since. I like to express my sincere regret for having performed under a government that continues to violate fundamental human rights.”

“I want to share the context for my decision — not as an excuse, but because the people who have trusted me deserve to hear from me. As an artist, my mission has always been to help people feel less alone. As an openly gay person, when I was asked to perform in Riyadh, I was surprised. I requested a guarantee that I could be openly out as a lesbian on stage and perform gay material. I hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued. I am grateful that I was able to do precisely that — to my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia. I received messages from attendees sharing how much it meant to them to participate in a gay-affirming event. At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.”

“I have donated the entirety of what I was paid to perform there to a human rights organization. I made this decision because I want that money to go to an organization that can help combat these severe issues.”

“I respect my fellow comics who have spoken out against the festival, and we should all be able to share our perspectives. I recognize the concerns and criticism this has raised. I hope that this moment sparks dialogue about how we can use our platforms for good — to support people without a voice and to find ways to be less divided. In the past, I’ve faced criticism for choices I’ve made, both on and off stage, and I rarely responded. This time, I felt I needed to speak up. I could not remain silent.”

“Most importantly, I am deeply sorry to all the fans and followers I have hurt or disappointed. I have a special relationship with my fans because of the vulnerable nature of my comedy and the trust they place in me as part of the queer community. To my fans: I see you. I hear you. Your voice matters to me. I love you all, and I am genuinely sorry for making a poor decision that had repercussions I didn’t fully consider. I will take full responsibility for my actions and dedicate myself to making amends, so that my words and choices reflect the respect and care you deserve.”