Paul Merton scorns Carr over Saudi comedy cash

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Promoted as the largest event of its type, Saudi Arabia’s first Riyadh Comedy Festival features a stellar line-up including Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall, alongside American comedians Dave Chappelle and Bill Burr.

However, for one of the most famous comedians in this country, the festival in the Saudi capital isn’t a source of amusement.

I asked Paul Merton if he’d be willing to perform in Riyadh if he received an invitation. He responded directly: ‘No, I wouldn’t.’

I was at the gala night for Ghost Stories at the Peacock Theatre in London, and I heard Merton, who’s 68, explain his reasoning. He simply said, ‘It’s because of human rights – that’s it.’ It was a really powerful statement, and I completely understand where he’s coming from.

Saudi Arabia is widely known for its harsh treatment of people with differing political or religious beliefs, and has unfortunately become strongly associated with violations of human rights.

In 2021, US intelligence officials determined that Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, likely authorized the brutal 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist for The Washington Post. The festival is co-produced by Riyadh’s General Entertainment Authority, which is led by Turki al-Sheikh, a royal advisor. Al-Sheikh has been accused of having people who criticize him on social media detained.

Honestly, even with everything going on at the festival, when I heard Merton just *scoff* and say, ‘Well, people obviously need the money, don’t they?’ it just… it got to me! Like, of course they need the money! It’s just so typical of him to be so… dismissive! I’ve been following him for years, and I just wish he’d show a little more… I don’t know, empathy? It’s frustrating, especially seeing all these comedians giving it their all. He’s just so… Merton. I can’t even.

In 2012, David Cameron criticized Jimmy Carr, calling his use of a tax avoidance scheme morally wrong. The scheme allowed Carr to legally reduce his tax payments, but Cameron publicly condemned the practice as unacceptable.

It might be difficult for Merton to perform in Riyadh, considering his past statements about another Gulf nation with a problematic human rights history.

During a Have I Got News for You episode hosted by Gary Neville, Merton playfully criticized the former footballer for working as a commentator for a Qatari broadcaster during the 2022 World Cup. He sarcastically remarked: ‘Countries with terrible human rights records often host sporting events to improve their reputation – similar to the 1936 Olympics in Germany. If that event hadn’t occurred, we might have seen a Second World War.’

 

Prince Harry and Meghan, founders of a TV production company, might be intrigued to hear that King Charles is also exploring the television world. He’s started a costume-making program at Dumfries House, and it’s attracting some major industry names. According to promotional material, Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video.” This offers a practical learning experience within real productions.

 

Eugenie’s cosy nights in PJs with Grandma

Most people picture Queen Elizabeth wearing vibrant, colourful clothes. However, her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, remembers her in a quite different way.

In her autobiography, Still Bobbi, make-up artist Bobbi Brown recalls a conversation with Princess Eugenie. Eugenie explained, “Things are more formal when Grandma is at the palace – I have to make an appointment and always get dressed up. But when we’re at our country house, we just wear our pyjamas and watch TV.”

Even though she’s Queen Elizabeth, when you’re sitting with her at breakfast in the countryside, she’s simply Grandma.”

 

Piers Adam, a close friend of Guy Ritchie who served as best man at his wedding to Madonna, reopened the 151 nightclub as The Rex Rooms earlier this year, hoping to restore some sparkle to the increasingly business-like atmosphere of Chelsea. He’s certain he knows what made his previous club, Mahiki – a favorite spot for Princes William and Harry – so successful. ‘It’s about mixing different worlds,’ he explains. ‘Think of it like this: Tatler meets The Sun.’ He adds, in an interview with Tatler magazine, ‘It’s like a Venn diagram – the place where two very different groups come together.’

 

Topless Emily’s tears at a pointed comment

Currently starring as Edith alongside her longtime friend James Norton in the BBC1 historical drama King & Conquerer, Emily Beecham notes that not all of her co-stars are as considerate as he is during intimate scenes.

‘He’s a joy to work with in those scenes because he genuinely connects with others,’ the actress shared about Norton, 40. ‘Not everyone is so considerate. I once filmed a naked sex scene and was topless,’ Emily, 41, continued. ‘Just as they were about to start filming – they yelled “Rolling!” – he commented, “Ugh, your nose is so pointy.” And then they said, “Action!”’

I was completely shocked when he said that. It felt really strange, especially because I was topless in a room with a lot of people. Afterward, I needed a moment to myself and had a little cry to process it.

 

Heidi Klum reveals her fall season look

The world is a catwalk for Heidi Klum, but her dedication to the cameras can be dangerous.

The model, who was born in Germany, greeted photographers as she exited the party in Paris. The event was held by the Karl Lagerfeld brand.

However, as the 52-year-old woman bumped against the curb while wearing her £242 Debutante 4in strap-heeled sandals by Lagerfeld, she stumbled and nearly lost her balance.

I’ve always admired Heidi – she just seems to bounce back from everything! I remember seeing a photo of her in a stunning black strapless jumpsuit recently, and it reminded me of how open she is about being a bit accident-prone. She once told everyone that falling down the stairs and hitting my head is my earliest memory, which is just… wow! She’s always said she’s been incredibly clumsy ever since, and honestly, I find it really relatable. It’s good to see someone so successful be so honest about their little mishaps.

 

Inverdale on the ugly realities of rugby

Sports commentator John Inverdale is concerned that England’s win in the Women’s Rugby World Cup might not inspire a significant increase in the number of girls playing rugby.

He explained at the launch of the Cluberly app – a financial tool for grassroots sports – at The Oval, that if more young girls start showing up to their local rugby clubs in the coming weeks, the facilities likely won’t be up to par.

I went to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. It seemed like there were between 5,000 and 10,000 young girls there, around ten to fourteen years old, and it appeared that most of them were visiting Twickenham for the very first time.

‘It was a lovely day and it all looked great. But that’s not what rugby really is.

‘Rugby often means going to your local club on a rainy Sunday, even if the facilities aren’t ideal, and players might think, “I’m not sure about this,”’ he explains. ‘Fans generally expect a higher standard than what they’ll find at many clubs.’

‘That’s where I think the issue is.’

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2025-10-03 03:35