Amy Poehler’s new podcast episode is facing backlash after she invited her former Parks and Recreation co-star, Aziz Ansari, as a guest. Fans of the comedian aren’t pleased with her choice, criticizing her for platforming Ansari so soon after his controversial appearance at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival.
Amy Poehler criticized for having Aziz on her podcast
Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast is usually known for its relaxed, friendly chats with fellow comedians, but her latest episode hasn’t gone over well. Fans took to the YouTube comment section to express their disappointment after seeing Aziz Ansari featured, calling the move “tone-deaf” and “disappointing.”
“Really disappointed to see Ansari here in light of his taking money from the organizers of the Riyadh comedy festival. Such a shame,” one user wrote. Another added, “I know he’s a friend but big mistake on this one.”
Ansari recently performed at Saudi Arabia’s state-sponsored Riyadh Comedy Festival, which took place between September 26 and October 9. The event featured a star lineup including Wayne Brady, Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., and Dave Chappelle, but quickly came under fire for being held in a country known for its human rights abuses and strict censorship laws.
Many fans feel Amy Poehler should have addressed the Aziz Ansari controversy directly on her podcast. “I feel disappointed with this co-signing of him,” one commenter said. “I hope there is some sort of questioning of his morals in this, but I guess then it is not a good hang.”
Ansari previously defended his decision to perform in Riyadh during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, saying, “There’s people over there that don’t agree with the stuff that the government’s doing, and to ascribe the worst behavior of the government onto those people, that’s not fair.” He claimed to have offered a donation from his earnings to Human Rights Watch, which reportedly declined the money.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.net.
