In Saudi Arabia, Dave Chappelle jokes that ‘I stand with Israel’ would be his code for censorship

In Saudi Arabia, comedian Dave Chappelle joked that saying “I stand with Israel” would be his code for censorship. This comment came during a state-sponsored show held on Saturday, which featured a lineup of top international comedians.

The event faced criticism from Human Rights Watch as well as several other comedians, highlighting concerns about freedom of expression and the political implications of the show.

Dave Chappelle, who performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2023, has been known for addressing controversial topics through his comedy.

As tensions rise, some observers note that the more Hollywood elites speak out on behalf of the radicalized people of Gaza, the greater the danger becomes for other communities—from New York to Jerusalem, as one writer argues.

(Photo credit: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
By Grace Gilson/JTA
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869358