On Friday, the Human Rights Foundation issued a five-page letter to rapper Nicki Minaj, attempting to persuade her to pull out of an upcoming performance in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s treatment of its citizens.
The rapper has faced much backlash since confirming that she will be headlining the Jeddah World Fest on July 18. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as the ruler of the country, where he is known for his extreme conservative views and is also funding the concert.
The event is expected to be alcohol and drug-free, with female attendees being required to wear full-length robes and view the concert in a separate area.
Thor Halvorssen, the founder and president of the foundation, wrote to the rapper expressing his concern for her to participate in the Fest during such a troublesome time for its people.
He stated, “Ms. Minaj, as you can see, you are scheduled to perform at a state-sponsored event in one of the most repressive regimes on earth—a country whose leader has also led a relentless campaign to silence women’s rights activists. Many of the women who have advocated to lift the driving ban in Saudi Arabia are currently in jail and being subjected to torture that includes electric shocks, flogging, and rape”
Halvorssen continued, “You recently celebrated Pride Week to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Yet, if you move forward with this performance, you will be condoning, and serving the public relations needs, of a government that executes homosexuals for the ‘crime’ of being who they are.
“Just three months ago five gay men were beheaded after they confessed to crimes under torture. If you move forward with this performance for a festival sponsored by the Crown Prince, you will be in league with the people who respond to freedom of expression and thought with murder.”
The letter did not address Liam Payne of One Direction, nor did it mention Dj Steve Aoki, who will also be performing at the Fest.
The foundation previously criticized Minaj in 2015 when she performed for former president José Eduardo dos Santos and his family in Angola.
Nicki Minaj has yet to comment on the performance and the recent criticism.
Nia Primus
