Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka explained her decision to decline a gig at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival. She shared screenshots of the offer, citing "content restrictions" that prohibited jokes critical of Saudi Arabia, its royal family, or religion. Okatsuka highlighted the country's human rights record and the festival's funding by the Crown Prince. Several other comedians have also refused the invitation, while some performing peers face criticism for participating despite censorship rules and human rights concerns.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.