Pete Davidson Returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’ to Address Saudi Arabia Comedy Festival Backlash
The comedian used his surprise Weekend Update appearance to explain his participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival and the financial pressures behind it
During a surprise-appearance on his former show, the comedian Pete Davidson addressed public criticism over his recently performed sets at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
He referenced a publicised article about the stalled Staten Island ferry investment he purchased with fellow comedian Colin Jost and said, “In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia… we’re losing millions on this ferry.”
Davidson acknowledged that he has faced added scrutiny because his father, a firefighter in New York City, died in the September 11 attacks, and remarked: “I’ve been getting a little bit of flak just because my dad died in 9/11… They’re like, ‘How could you possibly go there?’” He responded with a measured humour and focus on his professional obligations: “I just, you know, I get the routing, and then I see the number, and I go, ‘I’ll go.’”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has drawn both global attention and criticism.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government from late September through early October 2025, the event featured major U.S. comedy names and formed part of Riyadh’s broader Vision 2030 push into global entertainment.
Critics accused the event of enabling state-sponsored image-building.
Davidson defended his participation as a gig like any other, citing the opportunity, while noting his discomfort with the irony of the situation.
The discussion also included mention of his and Jost’s ferry venture, previously reported to be costing them considerable capital without visible returns.
At one point, Davidson joked that their boat has been renamed “Titanic 2” to reflect its lack of profitability.
Jost added that they had even secured a promotional deal with a major sporting event sponsor to help offset costs.
Though nerves around his Saudi performance were visible, Davidson framed his decision firmly in personal and professional terms.
His return to the show came amid heightened sensitivity to the intersection of entertainment, ethics and international engagements.
In doing so, he spotlighted what many entertainers contend with: balancing high-paid engagements with the optics and implications of performance venues.
The moment illustrates how high-stakes business choices in comedy can become public discussions about values and branding.
He referenced a publicised article about the stalled Staten Island ferry investment he purchased with fellow comedian Colin Jost and said, “In case you’re wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia… we’re losing millions on this ferry.”
Davidson acknowledged that he has faced added scrutiny because his father, a firefighter in New York City, died in the September 11 attacks, and remarked: “I’ve been getting a little bit of flak just because my dad died in 9/11… They’re like, ‘How could you possibly go there?’” He responded with a measured humour and focus on his professional obligations: “I just, you know, I get the routing, and then I see the number, and I go, ‘I’ll go.’”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival has drawn both global attention and criticism.
Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s government from late September through early October 2025, the event featured major U.S. comedy names and formed part of Riyadh’s broader Vision 2030 push into global entertainment.
Critics accused the event of enabling state-sponsored image-building.
Davidson defended his participation as a gig like any other, citing the opportunity, while noting his discomfort with the irony of the situation.
The discussion also included mention of his and Jost’s ferry venture, previously reported to be costing them considerable capital without visible returns.
At one point, Davidson joked that their boat has been renamed “Titanic 2” to reflect its lack of profitability.
Jost added that they had even secured a promotional deal with a major sporting event sponsor to help offset costs.
Though nerves around his Saudi performance were visible, Davidson framed his decision firmly in personal and professional terms.
His return to the show came amid heightened sensitivity to the intersection of entertainment, ethics and international engagements.
In doing so, he spotlighted what many entertainers contend with: balancing high-paid engagements with the optics and implications of performance venues.
The moment illustrates how high-stakes business choices in comedy can become public discussions about values and branding.
