Nicki Minaj pulls out of Saudi Arabia performance in support of women and LGBTQ rights
The Human Rights Foundation called for the rapper to call off her performance
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Nicki Minaj has pulled out from performing in Saudi Arabia to show support for women and LGBTQ rights.
The American rapper was set to perform at the Jeddah World Fest, in Saudi Arabia, but the Human Rights Foundation called on her to pull of the gig.
In their statement they said: “The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) considers the Saudi regime to be one of the world’s worst human rights violators and has contacted Minaj, urging her to cancel her performance, refuse the regime’s money, and instead use her global influence to issue a statement demanding the release of the Saudi women activists who are currently in prison.
“Minaj, who took part in World Pride festivities in her hometown of New York City last month to celebrate LGBTQ rights, will be performing in a country where homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment or death.
“In April of this year, at least five men were executed by the Saudi regime for admitting to sexual relations with other men after enduring months of torture.”
And now, following on from this, Minaj has told the Associated Press that she will not be performing at the festival anymore after she educated herself on the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression.
She said: “After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest.
“While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after better educating myself on the issues, I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression.”