Nicki Minaj cancels Saudi gig over human rights concerns

• Nicki Minaj cancels her Saudi gig due to human rights concerns. 

• The famous rapper was to perform at the Jeddah World Fest on 18 July.
• Nicki canceled her performance after meeting criticism for being a vocal advocate of women freedom and LGBTQ community and agreeing to the performance. 

Nicki Minaj cancels her Saudi Arabia performance over human rights concerns. The famed rapper was to perform at the Jeddah World Fest on 18 July. She said she is canceling to show her support for women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of speech, as the kingdom has oppressive laws against all three.

The chart-topping Trinidadian rapper told the Associated Press news agency that she has carefully reflected on her decision and deems it inappropriate due to her own beliefs.

“After careful reflection, I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest”.

Making her support clear for human rights and the oppressed groups:

The ultra-conservative Kingdom has extremely strict and unforgiving rules regarding women dressing and freedom of speech in particular. Nicki’s visit had stirred an online debate. While some viewed it her visit as hypocritical, the others deem inappropriate, given its proximity to Mecca.

Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj, cleared that she stands with the oppressed communities and freedom of expression. Due to her own beliefs, she felt it is inappropriate for her to perform in the Kingdom due to its stringent discriminatory laws.

“I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression,” she said.

The kingdom has met the criticism on the global stage for their discriminatory rules against women and jailing human rights activists. With her decision, Nicki wanted to make it evident that which side she stands on.

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