A comedian sits in a Soho meeting room near a large poster for a Prime Video comedy show hosted by Jimmy Carr. The setting is described as ironic because the comedian previously confronted Carr over appearing on a podcast associated with radicalisation. The comedian also prepares a tour that warns comedy has been co-opted by charlatans serving autocrats, referencing a Riyadh comedy festival where Carr performed. He criticises fellow comedians for contributing to cultural laundering of a repressive regime. He says some performers allegedly signed contracts agreeing not to criticise Mohammed bin Salman to take part in the Saudi event. He rejects renewed free-speech arguments from those involved.
"On the wall is a massive poster promoting Prime Video's Last One Laughing UK and looming over us from the centre of the frame is the show's host, Jimmy Carr. This feels, let's just say, a tad ironic. In Kumar's last standup show, he recalled the time he furiously confronted Carr about his decision to appear on manosphere influencer Jordan Peterson's podcast. (This is a radicalisation event that's happening on an unprecedented scale, he told Carr.) Then there's the blurb for his upcoming tour, Angry Humour from a Really Nice Guy, in which Kumar expresses concern that comedy has been co-opted by charlatans in service of autocrats."
"Once we get on to the latter topic, there is no choice but to reference the absurdity of the setting. He's right here! He's looking at us! Kumar cackles. He's initially hesitant to criticise his fellow comics All I'm thinking right now is a single phrase: you should not be allowed to give interviews but is soon, in his trademark hyper-articulate, mile-a-minute style, calling out Carr, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle and Jack Whitehall (I mean, with love to him, I don't think he knows anything about any of this stuff) for playing a part in the cultural-washing of a repressive regime."
"He found the participation of those who have complained about cancel culture especially egregious: in order to perform at the Saudi event, some comics allegedly signed a contract agreeing to not have a go at MBS [Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia], he says. I don't want to hear about free speech from any of these cunts again. Photograph: Paul Gilbey"
"Kumar's inability to keep stumm might be his greatest asset. At school, he was"
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