BOYCOTT
WHITNEY
CUMMINGS
When Comedians Choose
Saudi Paychecks
Over Human Rights
We don't expect Whitney Cummings to be perfect. But the only reason Saudi Arabia invited her to perform is because American fans made her rich and famous. It's fundamentally wrong for her to capitalize on that uniquely American gift by accepting massive payments from a government that many experts believe had a role in the September 11, 2001 attacks that murdered thousands of Americans.
Why This Matters
Performing in Saudi Arabia isn't just another gig. It's a choice that has real consequences.
Freedom of Expression Under Attack
The Saudi government systematically silences journalists and critics who dare to speak truth to power. The 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi sent shockwaves around the world.
AP News: Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists say it was over his tweets (2025)
AP News: US report faults Saudi Arabia in killing of journalist (2019)
The Saudi government also tortured and imprisoned US citizen Saad Ibrahim Almadi after he visited Saudi Arabia. His crime? Posting tweets critical of the Saudi government while living in the United States.
AP News: Family: Saudis sentence US citizen to 16 years over tweets (2022)
Women's Rights Violations
Despite recent reforms, Saudi women still cannot rent apartments, travel abroad, or make many basic decisions without male guardian approval.
AP News: Saudi women will be allowed to drive, but hurdles remain
Saudi Arabia imprisons women for what they wear and say.
Saudi Arabia confirms a fitness influencer received an 11-year sentence over 'terrorist offenses'
Legitimizing Oppression
Every celebrity who performs there helps normalize the regime. Whitney chose to be part of that problem instead of standing with human rights.
What You Can Do
Don't support comedians who choose authoritarian paychecks over human rights. There are plenty of funny people who haven't sold out.