“Weird Al” Yankovic said he rejected a seven-figure offer to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. His decision is notable because the festival has attracted criticism over Saudi Arabia’s human-rights record and restrictions on free expression.

The article places Yankovic’s decision in the context of wider debate surrounding performers appearing at the event, including criticism directed at other comedians. The exact sum offered was not disclosed beyond being in the seven-figure range, and the festival is being held in Riyadh.