Entertainment
Jessica Kirson Issues Apology After Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance — “I Sincerely Regret Performing There”
Openly gay comedian Jessica Kirson expresses remorse for joining the Riyadh Comedy Festival lineup alongside Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr, pledging to donate her earnings to a human rights organization.

Comedian Jessica Kirson has issued a heartfelt public apology after her appearance at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival sparked widespread criticism across the global comedy community.
Kirson, a respected veteran of stand-up known for her raw humor and authenticity, described her decision to perform at the event as a “mistake” that conflicts with her values as an openly gay woman and advocate for equality.
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“I want to express my sincere regret for performing in Saudi Arabia,” Kirson wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “I requested and was assured that I could be openly out as a lesbian on stage and perform gay material — but I now realize that my presence there unintentionally hurt the very community I fight for.”
The Riyadh Comedy Festival, billed as the “world’s largest comedy event,” runs from September 26 to October 9 and features more than 50 international comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., Pete Davidson, and Whitney Cummings.
While the event drew massive crowds, it also drew heavy backlash for being hosted in a country where homosexuality remains criminalized and punishable by law. Critics argued that participation by Western entertainers helps normalize Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations, including its treatment of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and journalists.
Among the critics were comedians Marc Maron, David Cross, and Atsuko Okatsuka, who publicly condemned the festival. Okatsuka even shared the contract she was offered — which explicitly forbade any jokes or material that could “degrade or bring into disrepute” the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, or its religion.
Kirson said that while she did request permission to perform openly as a lesbian, she now feels that performing under such restrictions contradicts her core beliefs.

“Even with those assurances, I should have known better,” she continued. “I thought visibility could make a difference — but I see now that it sent the wrong message.”
She also confirmed that she will donate her entire performance fee to a human rights organization supporting LGBTQ+ people in regions where such freedoms are denied.
“I can’t undo my decision, but I can redirect the energy toward something positive,” Kirson added.
The apology has received mixed reactions online. Some fans and fellow comedians praised her transparency and accountability, while others questioned how any performer could have agreed to the festival given Saudi Arabia’s known censorship policies.
“People make mistakes, but owning them publicly takes courage,” wrote one fan on X. “I respect Jessica for standing up and putting her money where her mouth is.”
However, others were more critical, arguing that performing in the country — no matter the reason — lends legitimacy to its regime. “Apologizing after cashing the check doesn’t erase the harm,” one user commented.
The Riyadh Comedy Festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the country’s economy and present a more progressive cultural image to the world. But human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that these entertainment investments often mask ongoing government oppression.
For Kirson, who has built her career on fearless honesty and self-deprecating humor, the backlash appears to have been a wake-up call.
“This experience has taught me that representation without full freedom isn’t real progress,” she said. “My intention was never to support oppression — and I hope others in our industry will also think deeply about where and how we perform.”
Her statement ends with a renewed commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and the promise that she will continue using her platform to “stand up for those who can’t speak freely.”
Entertainment
Jeff Bridges Revives The Dude on Jimmy Kimmel Live With Message to America
The Oscar-winning actor brought back his iconic Big Lebowski character to deliver a hilarious yet heartfelt take on today’s troubled times.

Jeff Bridges, 75, dusted off one of his most beloved roles this week when he stepped back into the cozy cardigan of The Dude from the 1998 classic The Big Lebowski.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night, Bridges was there to promote his upcoming movie Tron: Ares, which hits theaters Friday. But at host Jimmy Kimmel’s request, the actor slipped back into character to share some much-needed “Dude wisdom” with the nation.
“Hey World, The Dude Here…”
With sunglasses, a cardigan, and a White Russian in hand (which Bridges affectionately referred to as a “Caucasian”), he addressed the audience:
“Hey world, The Dude here. So, uh, yeah, man. Can we just all calm the f— down? I mean, c’mon. I’m talking about, you know, all the wars, the fighting, the canceling. I mean, let’s just chill out, man. C’mon, tone it down.”
The crowd erupted in cheers as Bridges continued with signature Dude flair:
“We’re, like, at what? A nine? We ought to be at zero. Or zero and a half at max.”
Guillermo Rodriguez, Kimmel’s sidekick, joined in—dressed in matching shades and sweater—as the pair clinked glasses.

A Not-So-Subtle Jab at ICE
Perhaps the biggest applause came when Bridges’ Dude quipped:
“ICE?? Let’s get ICE off our streets and into our beverages, man.”
The sharp play on words, referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drew laughter and loud applause from the studio audience. Bridges followed it up with one of The Dude’s most famous lines:
“This aggression will not stand.”
Kimmel responded in kind, and Bridges wrapped his mini-speech with the line every Lebowski fan knows:
“So let’s just abide. Abide together. Yes, we can do this. Now, that’s just, like, my opinion, but it’s a good one, don’t you think, Jimmy?”

Why It Matters
Bridges’ performance arrived during a tense cultural moment. Kimmel himself recently returned to late-night after being suspended by ABC and parent company Disney over controversial comments following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The backlash to Kimmel’s suspension saw viewers cancel Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in protest, leading to his reinstatement. Fellow comedians and actors had rallied behind Kimmel, calling the suspension an assault on free speech.
Against this backdrop, Bridges’ call to “abide together” resonated as both comedy and cultural commentary.
The Dude Abides, Still
More than 25 years after The Big Lebowski first hit theaters, Bridges continues to show why The Dude remains one of cinema’s most enduring cult characters. His message was part comedy, part social critique, and part reminder that sometimes, what people really need is to “just chill, man.”
As Kimmel summed it up perfectly: “That’s a pretty great opinion.”
Entertainment
Jonah Hill Looks Unrecognizable on Set of New Film With Kristen Wiig
The two-time Oscar nominee debuts a surprising new look while directing and starring in his upcoming comedy Cut Off with Kristen Wiig, Bette Midler, and Nathan Lane.

Fans did a double take this week when Jonah Hill was photographed on the set of his latest project in Los Angeles. The actor, now 41, appeared almost unrecognizable—sporting a slimmer frame, platinum blond hair, and a full beard—as he filmed scenes for Cut Off, a quirky comedy he co-wrote and is directing.
The movie pairs Hill with Kristen Wiig as spoiled twins whose wealthy parents, played by Bette Midler and Nathan Lane, cut them off financially. The eccentric sibling duo then scrambles to figure out life without privilege, setting the stage for Hill’s signature mix of awkward humor and heart.

A New Look for Jonah Hill
On October 6, set photos captured Hill and Wiig in colorful, eccentric costumes, sparking buzz online about the comedian’s striking transformation. Known for his evolving appearance throughout his career, Hill has previously spoken candidly about his body image struggles and the impact of public commentary.
Back in 2021, he wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post:
“I know you mean well but I kindly ask that you not comment on my body. Good or bad, I want to politely let you know it’s not helpful and doesn’t feel good.”
Fans online praised Hill’s fresh look for Cut Off, calling it both bold and fitting for the offbeat comedy.

Jonah Hill’s Directorial Journey
Hill’s career has stretched far beyond acting in comedies like Superbad and 21 Jump Street. His directorial debut, Mid90s (2018), was praised for its raw authenticity. He later helmed the acclaimed 2022 documentary Stutz, which explored mental health and therapy.
In addition to Cut Off, Hill has also completed work on Outcome, another film he directed starring Cameron Diaz, Keanu Reeves, and Matt Bomer.
Protecting His Mental Health
Despite his Hollywood success, Hill has taken intentional steps to protect his well-being. In 2022, he published an open letter revealing he would no longer participate in traditional press tours or promotional events.
“I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public-facing events,” Hill explained. He called the decision “an important step to protect myself.”
What’s Next for Hill
With Cut Off, Hill continues to balance personal storytelling with satirical humor, while also pushing himself creatively as a director and performer. The film has no confirmed release date yet, but with its star-studded cast and buzzworthy concept, it’s already one of the most anticipated comedies in development.
Entertainment
Markiplier Marries Amy Nelson in Dreamy Wedding Fans Can’t Stop Talking About
YouTube star Markiplier tied the knot with longtime partner Amy Nelson in a beautiful ceremony, and the first pictures have already melted hearts across social media.

Popular YouTuber Markiplier—whose real name is Mark Edward Fischbach—has officially married his girlfriend of more than a decade, Amy Nelson, in what fans are calling one of the most wholesome internet moments of the year.
The announcement came on Instagram, where the 35-year-old content creator shared two stunning photos from the wedding. In the first, the couple—both dressed in elegant white—are seen joyfully enjoying their wedding cake. The second captures them gazing at one another with glowing smiles, a snapshot of pure happiness.

Markiplier captioned the post with humor and heart:
“10 years and counting. Going to go for the world record or die trying.”
He also revealed that the two had actually tied the knot earlier on September 20, keeping the celebration private until now.
Fans React with Overwhelming Love
The announcement immediately set social media buzzing. Fans who have followed Markiplier’s career since his early gaming videos were quick to share emotional reactions.
One wrote: “Didn’t think 20-year-old me would be openly weeping about Markiplier just like 12-year-old me used to, but here we are. I’m so happy; they are such a powerful couple.”
Another added: “I don’t think I could smile any bigger! You two are the best! Congratulations again!!”
For many, the moment felt deeply personal. A fan commented: “Watched you since childhood, laughed and got scared and excited with you, helped me in my hardest time and today you’re starting a new family. Congrats bro, you’ll be my favorite YouTuber forever.”
The flood of messages continued across platforms like X and Reddit, with fans expressing joy for the beloved creator and his new wife.

Who Is Amy Nelson?
Amy Nelson, often referred to by fans as Peebles, is an accomplished artist and designer who has been a quiet but steady presence in Markiplier’s life. While she has occasionally appeared in his videos and streams, she has largely chosen to stay out of the spotlight, making their wedding reveal all the more special for fans who have admired their relationship from afar.
Markiplier’s Journey to Stardom
Since launching his YouTube channel in 2012, Markiplier has become one of the most recognizable names in online entertainment. Known for his energetic personality and signature deep voice, he has built an empire of over 37.8 million subscribers and more than 5,000 videos, spanning horror game playthroughs, comedic skits, and interactive projects.
His career has also expanded beyond YouTube. He has acted in projects like “Smosh: The Movie” and worked on ambitious ventures like “In Space with Markiplier.”
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Markiplier’s net worth is estimated at $45 million, making him one of the wealthiest YouTubers in the world.
A Love Story Fans Admire
The wedding marks a new chapter in Markiplier’s life—one his community has eagerly celebrated. For many, it’s not just about a YouTuber getting married; it’s about seeing someone who has been part of their own lives for over a decade find happiness in love.
As one fan summed it up perfectly: “Mark gave us laughs and comfort for years. Now it’s our turn to cheer for him.”
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