Louis C.K. Says Joining Riyadh Comedy Festival Is a 'Positive Thing'

Louis C.K. is defending his decision to join Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival .

During a recent appearance on “Real Time With Bill Maher,” C.K. said the other comedians at the event were “really surprised” by the overwhelming response from the Riyadh audience. He added that being part of a budding comedy scene in a place where acts are usually heavily censored is a “positive thing.”

“There’s a woman who’s a lesbian and Jewish, who did a show there, and she got a standing ovation,” C.K said. “So, there’s stuff going on that’s unexpected in this thing. People have been playing Saudi Arabia for years. Comedians have been going and playing Arab countries. There was a film festival there recently, it’s kind of opened up. But I’ve always said no to Arab countries.”

He added, “And when