Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

douglas9

(5,124 posts)
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 05:35 AM 10 hrs ago

Dave Chappelle Criticizes Free Speech in America at Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival

Dave Chappelle criticized the status of free speech in the United States while on stage at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.

The comedian was one of more than 50 performers participating in the event, which has come under fire for being held in a country which has been accused of human rights violations and an oppressive regime.

“Right now in America, they say that if you talk about Charlie Kirk, that you’ll get canceled,” Chappelle told an audience of 6,000, according to The New York Times. “I don’t know if that’s true, but I’m gonna find out.” He then added, “It’s easier to talk here than it is in America.”

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dave-chappelle-free-speech-riyadh-saudi-comedy-festival-1236391872/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=68debdd004d79e00019ee0cb

11 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Dave Chappelle Criticizes Free Speech in America at Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival (Original Post) douglas9 10 hrs ago OP
From the blurb alone, he seems to be criticizing the LACK of Free Speech in America AZJonnie 9 hrs ago #1
Americans' J_William_Ryan 9 hrs ago #2
Chappelle seems comfortable with no rights for women delisen 9 hrs ago #3
Go ahead and insult the royal family MaineBlueBear 9 hrs ago #4
When someone tells you who they are SocialDemocrat61 8 hrs ago #5
Chappelle is going to make comments about the things that other people say are off limits Buckeyeblue 8 hrs ago #6
The list HAB911 6 hrs ago #7
Charlie Kirk Johnny2X2X 6 hrs ago #8
I'd love to see his tight 10 on Khashoggi's murder Ursus Rex 4 hrs ago #9
Riyadh Bonesaw Comedy Festival? Seriously? Beaverhausen 4 hrs ago #10
How does he like the bone saws eShirl 4 hrs ago #11

AZJonnie

(1,713 posts)
1. From the blurb alone, he seems to be criticizing the LACK of Free Speech in America
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 05:57 AM
9 hrs ago

Maybe there's more to his comments, which might back up the headline, but I don't care enough about Chappell to check.

J_William_Ryan

(3,039 posts)
2. Americans'
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 05:57 AM
9 hrs ago

ignorance of free speech is the greatest threat to free speech.

Chappelle being one such example.

delisen

(7,143 posts)
3. Chappelle seems comfortable with no rights for women
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 06:39 AM
9 hrs ago

At least he is letting us know who he is.

MaineBlueBear

(312 posts)
4. Go ahead and insult the royal family
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 06:43 AM
9 hrs ago

and find out, Dave.

I wonder where you'll be- headed to next.

SocialDemocrat61

(5,833 posts)
5. When someone tells you who they are
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 06:47 AM
8 hrs ago

believe them. And Chappelle has been telling the world who he is for years now. F*ck him.

Buckeyeblue

(6,040 posts)
6. Chappelle is going to make comments about the things that other people say are off limits
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 07:38 AM
8 hrs ago

You may not agree with him. But it's certainly up to him what he says. At the end of the day, he's just an entertainer. He does stand up comedy. He doesn't set policy. He does create laws.

I think some people hold him to a higher standard than our elected representatives.

Johnny2X2X

(23,463 posts)
8. Charlie Kirk
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 09:34 AM
6 hrs ago

To people who don't want to read it, he was talking about Charlie Kirk being off limits as a topic in America right now.

Ursus Rex

(441 posts)
9. I'd love to see his tight 10 on Khashoggi's murder
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 11:00 AM
4 hrs ago

... you know, just as a test case, but I'd bet he'd need several additional bags for the flight home.

Beaverhausen

(24,665 posts)
10. Riyadh Bonesaw Comedy Festival? Seriously?
Fri Oct 3, 2025, 11:04 AM
4 hrs ago

Wasn't it a bonesaw that was used to murder Kashogghi? What the fuck?

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Dave Chappelle Criticizes...