Support LGBT, Nicki Minaj Cancel Concert in Saudi Arabia

 In a statement to the AP news agency reported on Wednesday (10/07/2019), the Trinidad and Tobago rapper announced the cancellation of her participation in the concert. "After careful reflection, I decided not to move forward with my concert schedule anymore. at the Jeddah World Festival, "she said. 

Photo From: REUTERS

         Nicki Minaj, a hip-hop star who often acts vulgarly, canceled appearing at the Jeddah World Festival.

"I believe it is important for me to explain my support for women's rights, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression," she continued.

Minaj - whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj - was originally scheduled to be the opening concert on July 18. 

Her scheduled appearance triggered heated discussions on social media, ranging from joy, criticism to disappointment.

A fan posted a video of Minaj appearing in writing; "Am I dreaming or is this really happening?" 

Some other social media users post photos of concerts in traditional Saudi Arabian clothing.

New York-based Human Rights Watch on Friday last week wrote an open letter to Minaj urging her to withdraw from the festival in Jeddah. The rights group urged Minaj to reject Saudi Arabia's money and use her global influence to demand the release of Saudi women's activists.

Over the past few months, Saudi Arabia has watched performances by singers including Mariah Carey, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, and Sean Paul, as well as DJ David Guetta and Tiesto. 

British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki will continue to appear at the Jeddah World Fest this summer. 

Minaj previously performed in the United Arab Emirates and in 2015 at a controversial Christmas event in Angola, despite calls from human rights groups to leave the concert. 

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