Pete Davidson Defends Saudi Gig, Blames 'Losing Millions' on Ferry
In a recent episode of Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update, Pete Davidson addressed the financial strain he and Colin Jost are facing due to their ill-fated purchase of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry in January 2022. Davidson humorously defended his controversial performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government, which is currently facing a lawsuit for its alleged role in funding the 9/11 attacks.
"In case you're wondering why I had to do a show in Saudi Arabia, we're losing millions on this ferry," Davidson joked, referencing a New York Times article about the purchase. He added, "I assume that's what the article says. I can't spend $5 on a paywall when I've got a kid on the way."
Davidson's performance in Saudi Arabia faced backlash, not only due to the festival's sponsor but also because of the sensitive 9/11 connection. During the segment, he humorously linked his father's death during the 9/11 attacks to his own fame, stating, 'I understand RFK. I wouldn't be famous without my dad dying, either. Thank god that happened. Wouldn't trade it.'
This isn't the first time Davidson has defended his Saudi performance. In a podcast interview, he dismissed criticism, arguing that the festival was not an attempt to 'comedy-wash' the Saudi government's human rights record, but rather a gig for financial reasons. He stated, 'I've been getting a little bit of flak just because my dad died in 9/11. So they're like, 'How could you possibly go there?' As is often the case, the simple answer is money.'
Davidson also took a subtle jab at SNL creator Lorne Michaels, suggesting that Tina Fey's potential takeover as executive producer aligns with Michaels' philosophy of never giving up. The ferry, named John F. Kennedy, is currently unused in a Staten Island shipyard, with plans for a restaurant, concert venue, and movie theater left unfulfilled, adding to the financial strain.
