Bill Burr blasts critics of Saudi Arabia comedy festival visit in expletive-laden interview
Veteran comedian Bill Burr unleashed on critics of his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, saying he doesnt "give a f---" what anyone thinks about his appearance at a comedy festival in Riyadh.The outspoken comic made the remarks during a special live recording of "Conan OBrien Needs a Friend" on Sunday, responding to backlash over performing in the kingdom amid concerns about human rights and free expression."I really dont give a f---, and if it affects my career, Ive been to LAX enough in my life, Ill f---ing sit home for a little bit," Burr said.BILL MAHER CRITICIZES DAVE CHAPPELLE FOR REMARKS ON FREE SPEECH AT SAUDI COMEDY FESTIVAL"I will actually tell you LAX is slightly sadder than Saudi Arabia," he added.Burr's remarks came after he and approximately 50 other comedians traveled to the Middle East to appear at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter.The festival, organized under Saudi Arabias General Entertainment Authority, was promoted as part of the kingdoms Vision 2030 cultural reforms, though critics contend such events are meant to gloss over the countrys human rights record.CHAPPELLE SAYS IT'S EASIER TO SPEAK FREELY AT SAUDI ARABIAN COMEDY FEST THAN IN USA, BRINGS UP CHARLIE KIRKAt one point, however, Burr insisted the festival served as a sign of forward progress in the region."The general consensus is, How dare you go to that place and make those oppressed people laugh, you f---ing piece of s---. I cant believe you went to that place. I cant find it on a map, and this bot said I was upset about it, so now I am,'" he quipped.WASHINGTON POST REBUKES DAVE CHAPPELLE, OTHER TOP COMEDIANS FOR PERFORMING AT SAUDI COMEDY FEST"Its one thing to wear clothes made by sweatshop labor. Its quite another to go to the factory and make them laugh. I cant believe how much anger I had about this issue after it went viral.""All of these sanctimonious c---s out there who dont really sincerely give a s---," he added at another point, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Burr likened human rights violations in Saudi Arabia to current events in the U.S., particularly drawing on immigration raids conducted under the Trump administration."Were f---ing grabbing moms and dads and sticking them in a van for making illegally made f---ing tacos to go to Alligator Alcatraz," he said."Its f---ing insane and, someday, theyre going to be out of Brown people to put in those vans, theyre still gonna have the vans, so you shouldnt be feeling comfortable about it. Thinking that youre not going to be in it."