Ryan Seacrest, famed host of American Idol, became the focal point of a fierce online backlash after attending the high-profile Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The two-day event, hosted by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and a close ally of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to showcase the kingdom’s entertainment industry as part of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan.
Fans and critics quickly accused Seacrest of “selling out” by associating with a regime long criticized for severe human rights abuses, including suppression of dissent and the silencing of journalists. On Reddit and other platforms, users expressed cynicism, one remarking, “That man will do literally anything for a check.”
The uproar highlights growing discomfort over celebrity endorsements that seem to gloss over the complex political realities underpinning Saudi Arabia’s cultural push.
The Joy Forum: Passion and Politics Collide
Founded by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, the Joy Forum bills itself as one of the world’s largest entertainment gatherings. Intended to “foster a joyful culture” and “build a vibrant society,” the Forum fits into Riyadh’s strategic efforts to transform from a traditionally conservative city into a global entertainment hub.
The event brings together stars from Hollywood, Bollywood, sports, and digital media, including Shaquille O’Neal, UFC President Dana White, YouTube sensation MrBeast, and Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan.
In a keynote address, Alalshikh announced billions in new entertainment investments, including plans for WrestleMania 2027, the first time the event will be held outside the United States.
Collaborations with Warner Music, Atlantic Records, and Shaquille O’Neal were also announced, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major force in the global entertainment industry.
However, the Forum’s bright spotlight dims under criticism of “sportswashing” and “entertainment-washing,” terms used to describe efforts to clean the kingdom’s global image despite ongoing human rights violations.
Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch have described the Forum as an attempt to “deflect attention from brutal repression of free speech and other pervasive human rights violations.”
Turki Alalshikh’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Entertainment Expansion
Turki Alalshikh, who oversees the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, has been a pivotal figure in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s consolidation of power. The New York Times dubbed him a “key on-the-ground operator” behind the Crown Prince’s rise.
Ryan Seacrest (Credit: CNN)
His influence in expanding Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector has been pronounced, with major international stars and companies increasingly participating in events and projects under his oversight.
Despite his success in reshaping Riyadh’s entertainment scene, Alalshikh’s partnerships have faced scrutiny for promoting a regime with a controversial record.
Online critics lump celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Shaquille O’Neal into a broader pattern of complicit involvement, accusing them of endorsing a state accused of “state-sanctioned murder.”
Comedy Festival Controversy: Mixed Messages in Riyadh
The Riyadh Comedy Festival, held from September 26 to October 9, 2025, further illustrated the tension between entertainment and political realities. Featuring big-name U.S. comedians like Bill Burr and Pete Davidson, the festival stunned audiences aware of Saudi Arabia’s reputation for censorship and repression.
Comedians who declined the festival mocked those who accepted, with TikTok comic Shaan Baig joking about the moral contradictions involved in performing for a regime with a documented history of imprisoning dissenters.
Marc Maron, who turned down the festival, joked on social media that the event could be marketed as “From the folks that brought you 9/11: two weeks of laughter in the desert,” highlighting the gulf between entertainment spectacle and geopolitical realities.
These mixed messages exemplify the broader ethical dilemmas entertainers face when engaging with nations criticized for human rights abuses.
The Debate: Ethics, Art, and the Price of Fame
Seacrest’s silence on the criticism has done little to quell the debate over celebrities’ roles in legitimizing controversial regimes.
Supporters argue that artistic and cultural exchanges can open doors and foster understanding, while detractors contend that participating in such events amounts to endorsement of oppressive practices.
In the digital age, where celebrity actions and affiliations are scrutinized globally, joining government-backed entertainment initiatives carries high risks of reputational damage. The Joy Forum’s success in attracting global stars underscores its cultural significance but also amplifies concerns about the moral cost of involvement.
What Lies Ahead for Saudi Entertainment and Hollywood
As Saudi Arabia continues investing heavily in entertainment, its efforts to reshape its global image face ongoing challenges. The Joy Forum signals the kingdom’s determination to become a hub for global culture, yet it must navigate the complex terrain of ethics, politics, and international criticism.
Hollywood’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and figures like Ryan Seacrest’s participation will remain focal points for discussions on the interplay between art, commerce, and human rights.
The balance between opportunity and responsibility for entertainers and producers grows ever more delicate as the spotlight on Riyadh intensifies.
Paramount Skydance has reached a turning point as the company prepares for one of the largest workforce reductions in its history. The studio will begin laying off around 2,000 U.S. employees during the week of October 27, according to reports from Variety.
This move is part of a larger $2 billion cost-cutting strategy introduced by the recently appointed CEO, David Ellison, signaling a bold effort to streamline operations following the company’s $8.4 billion merger earlier this year.
The merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global was completed in August 2025 after months of negotiations, scrutiny, and boardroom discussions. It created a powerful new entity aimed at redefining studio management and content production in the streaming era.
However, with overlapping departments and expanding financial commitments, the company has turned to tough decisions to achieve sustainable growth.
These layoffs represent a critical phase in integrating the two entertainment giants. The move is not just about cutting jobs; it’s about aligning the merged organization under a unified vision focused on profitability and modernized media production.
Variety’s report further indicated that additional international job cuts are expected in the following weeks. Paramount Skydance is likely to release a complete breakdown of restructuring costs and employment impacts during its third-quarter earnings presentation, slated for November 10.
The Man Steering the Transition: David Ellison
David Ellison, who took over as Paramount Skydance’s CEO following the merger, is now responsible for redefining how the studio functions in a market under pressure from changing viewer habits and streaming competition.
Known for his hands-on production style and long-standing passion for cinema, Ellison has overseen major Skydance hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” and “Jack Reacher.”
His leadership philosophy emphasizes efficiency, creativity, and strategic reinvestment. Insiders close to Ellison suggest that his primary focus is maintaining the company’s creative excellence while improving its financial agility.
Under his direction, Paramount Skydance aims to redirect resources toward fewer but higher-impact productions that align with audience demands both in theatrical and streaming formats.
Industry analysts view Ellison’s approach as a necessary, albeit painful, shift. Over the past several years, traditional media companies have grappled with rising production costs, softening advertising markets, and the dominance of streaming services.
Paramount’s recent financials revealed pressure across several segments, particularly linear television, while its streaming arm, Paramount+, continues to invest heavily in original programming and technology upgrades.
For Ellison, the coming months will serve as an opportunity to prove that he can steer the legacy studio toward long-term relevance, a challenge that many of Hollywood’s top executives currently share.
Understanding the Broader Impact of the Layoffs
As of December 2024, Paramount employed nearly 18,600 full- and part-time employees and around 3,500 project-based staff. The reduction of 2,000 positions equates to more than 10% of its U.S. workforce, making it a significant adjustment.
These changes are expected to affect departments across marketing, film production, distribution, and corporate management.
Sources familiar with the restructuring indicated that layoffs will begin across administrative roles first, followed by adjustments within creative and studio divisions. Contractors and short-term staff are also likely to face reduced project assignments as the studio consolidates production schedules.
While such large-scale workforce changes often generate uncertainty, Paramount Skydance is reportedly setting up internal assistance programs to help affected employees transition.
The company is also considering offering extended health benefits and reskilling opportunities where possible, especially for roles that could evolve within the digital media spectrum.
Ellison has framed these changes as part of a strategic evolution toward a leaner, faster, and more agile organization ready to tackle the streaming race with confidence.
He believes consolidation will help the company redirect funds into original content and franchise expansion, two areas that continue to drive revenue despite broader market contractions.
Industry Reaction and Global Context
Hollywood insiders have been quick to react to the reports of mass layoffs. Many recognize the move as part of a wider shift sweeping across the entertainment sector.
Studios such as Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Netflix have all implemented aggressive cost-reduction plans in recent years, driven by similar financial realities: rising content spending and growing investor demand for profitability.
Paramount Skydance (Credit: BBC)
Analysts say the Paramount-Skydance layoffs reflect a global correction phase after a decade of streaming-driven growth and expansion. As the post-pandemic boom slows, companies are facing renewed scrutiny on their margins, prompting executives to control budgets and deliver higher returns on smaller slates.
This broader restructuring wave also points to a change in storytelling strategies. Rather than producing a large volume of titles, many studios are moving toward fewer, event-style releases that resonate strongly with audiences and ensure better returns.
Ellison’s prior success in producing blockbuster franchises underlines his confidence in this creative direction.
Despite the difficult news, industry observers see potential for renewal within Paramount Skydance. The combined expertise of Paramount’s established distribution network and Skydance’s innovative production methods could provide the foundation for a revitalized entertainment brand capable of competing on a global scale.
The coming months will be crucial as the company finalizes its restructuring plans and communicates additional international updates. Investors will closely watch its third-quarter earnings report due November 10 for clarity on new cost targets, asset consolidations, and long-term strategy implementation.
Analysts believe that cutting $2 billion in expenses could significantly improve Paramount Skydance’s liquidity position and allow for reinvestment in high-performing divisions such as Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, and Skydance Animation.
However, success will depend on effectively managing creative output without dampening morale or reducing the company’s competitive advantage in storytelling.
The entertainment industry often operates on cycles of reinvention, and Paramount Skydance’s current phase is no different. Although the layoffs present immediate challenges, they also mark the beginning of a reshaped corporate structure led by a young and determined executive team.
Ellison’s leadership will likely determine whether the studio emerges stronger and more unified or faces further turbulence in the changing media economy.
For now, one thing is clear: the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media was only the beginning.
The next chapter for the combined company rests on how effectively it can balance financial discipline with creative ambition. This challenge will test both leadership and legacy as the entertainment industry continues its transformation.
