Jessica Kirson expressed “sincere regret” for participating in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Kirson admitted she was surprised to be invited to the festival and even requested “guarantee” that she could be “openly out as a lesbian on stage and perform gay material.” “I hoped that this could help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued,” she continued. “I am grateful that I was able to do precisely that—to my knowledge, I am the first openly gay comic to talk about it on stage in Saudi Arabia. I received messages from attendees sharing how much it meant to them to participate in a gay-affirming event. At the same time, I deeply regret participating under the auspices of the Saudi government.” Kirson said performing at the festiva

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