The Edge: Should US comedians refuse to perform in Saudi Arabia?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Comedians Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson and Dave Chappelle are receiving backlash for participating in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. Their participation has ignited an intense debate over intersection of entertainment and human rights. The country is amplifying its cultural presence through high-profile events. Critics argue that these efforts serve to distract from the country’s widely-reported record of repressing free speech and dissent. Human rights organizations and fellow entertainers are pushing performers to use their influence to highlight ongoing abuses or risk appearing complicit in “whitewashing” Saudi Arabia’s global image.

Should the comedians decline invitations to perform in Saudi Arabia?