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Comedian David Cross has strongly condemned fellow performers participating in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival. He criticized them for accepting substantial payments while adhering to strict censorship guidelines, deeming it "blood money" from an "oppressive regime." Cross argued that this participation compromises their credibility on issues like freedom of speech. Other comedians, including Marc Maron and Shane Gillis, have also voiced disapproval. Atsuko Okatsuka shared the festival's restrictive contract, while Pete Davidson defended his participation due to the financial offer, despite his father's death on 9/11.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.