Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Tyga, Future & 50 Cent Called Out For Performing At Festival In Saudi Arabia, Nicki Minaj Praised For Dropping Out

Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Tyga, Future, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj

Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Tyga, Future & 50 Cent Called Out For Performing At Festival In Saudi Arabia, Nicki Minaj Praised For Dropping Out

The Human Rights Foundation is not happy with a few of our faves. The organization took to social media to blast Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Tyga, Future, and 50 Cent for stepping in and performing at the Thursday’s Jeddah World Fest in Saudi Arabia after Nicki Minaj pulled out.

The HRF is just one of several organizations who have asked artists not to perform in Saudi Arabia because of its gender segregation between men and women in areas like restaurants and universities. While Saudi Arabia has made steps to equality, including allowing women to attend sports events and even drive, the HRF made it clear it thinks Saudi Arabia still has a long way to go. It released a statement coming for Jackson, Brown, Tyga, Future and 50 Cent after they agreed to perform following Nicki’s decision to opt out.

President of the HRF, Thor Halvorssen, said in a statement,

“It’s clear that, after losing Nicki Minaj on the basis of the Saudi regime’s atrocious human rights record and their treatment of women and the gay community, the Crown Prince has chosen to spend whatever it takes to give the appearance that things are normal and that this is just another concert. Except it isn’t.”

He went on to say that the organization is “baffled” that the aforementioned celebrities would take part in the festival after backing movements like Black Lives Matter and rights for the LGBTQ community.

“Saudi is engaged in a sophisticated campaign of distraction. It’s baffling to the fans of Janet Jackson, 50 Cent, Liam Payne, and these other artists,  that despite knowing all of this, they still intend to perform. It’s profoundly distressing that they have chosen money over morals. These individuals constantly make public statements of support for LGBTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, and women’s rights, except, apparently, when a seven-figure check is attached. The hypocrisy is breathtaking. Principal apparently matters to them far more than principles.”

It penned a letter to each artist requesting them not to perform. It doesn’t look like the artists plan on backing down though.

Nicki Minaj

Their message come after Nicki canceled following their separate request for her to back out.

Nicki said in a statement,

“After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest. [I] wanted nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia.”

The HRF responded with a retweet Halvorssen that reads,

@NICKIMINAJ is the brightest star in the darkest night. Meanwhile @LiamPayne @50cent @JanetJackson @steveaok @tyga @chrisbrown (mega-millionaires) left their morals behind and went to #Saudi to collect money they don’t need at concert where women must’ve permission and gays=[dead].”

Do you think the other artists should pull out of the festival too? Tell us in the comments.