The lineup for a controversial music festival being held today at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was recently announced and includes the likes of Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Future and Tyga, among others.
Nicki Minaj, who was originally slated to headline the sold-out festival, pulled out at the last minute after learning about the state of affairs in the country, most alarming of which is the fact that gender segregation between single men and women is strictly enforced by law in public places.
“These individuals constantly make public statements of support for LGBT rights and women’s rights, except, apparently, when a seven-figure check is attached,” said Thor Halvorssen, President of The Human Rights Foundation, which issued a public statement requesting music artists not to perform in the country in support of the organization’s efforts to eradicate such archaic laws.
“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,” Minaj said in a statement.
Previously announced artists in the lineup include Steve Aoki and former One Direction star, Liam Payne.
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