NEW YORK — Comedian Amber Ruffin has a new opportunity this spring. On May 15, she will host the gala fundraiser for PEN America, an organization that promotes free expression. Originally, Ruffin was slated to be a featured speaker at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on April 26. However, due to her outspoken critiques of President Donald Trump, the WHCA retracted the invitation, stating they wanted to concentrate on journalistic achievements.
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, the co-interim CEO of PEN, lauded Ruffin in a statement on Monday. She praised Ruffin’s “brilliant social commentary, her satire, and exceptional talent” and said that the comedian represents the kinds of creators necessary in today’s climate of increased censorship. Shariyf expressed both excitement and honor at Ruffin’s involvement in their event.
Additionally, PEN America announced that Michael Roth, President of Wesleyan University, will receive the PEN/Benenson Courage Award. This award recognizes his steadfast dedication to defending academic freedom, upholding protest rights, and challenging efforts to suppress dissent within higher education. Roth has critiqued the Trump administration’s threats aimed at ending research funding for prominent institutions like Columbia University and Harvard University, citing issues such as combating antisemitism and the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.
Ruffin, whose work includes writing for NBC’s Seth Meyers, hosted last year’s PEN gala. She explained that she was removed from the WHCA event after refusing to agree to impartiality. In a podcast interview with the Daily Beast, Ruffin revealed that she was advised to maintain a balanced approach, to which she responded, “There’s no way that’s going to happen.”
Her replacement at the WHCA event was further criticized by Taylor Budowich, the deputy chief of staff at the White House, who referred to Ruffin as a “second-rate comedian.”