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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Shahana Yasmin

Human Rights Watch refuses to accept donations from Aziz Ansari and other Riyadh comedy festival performers

Aziz Ansari Human Rights Watch Human Rights United States Dave Chappelle Chris Distefano Saudi Arabia

Human Rights Watch have said that they are “unable to accept” donations from comedians who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, after Aziz Ansari said he planned to donate part of his fee to rights groups.

The first-ever Riyadh Comedy Festival, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government, took place from 26 September to 9 October 2025 as part of “Vision 2030”. The initiative, the brainchild of Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, also includes the highly-controversial LIV Golf tournament and investments in the tech, gaming and venture capital sectors.

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