Nicki Minaj Responds To Shocked Saudi Arabia Fans Following Concert Cancellation

Written By Cyrus Langhorne

Young Money's Nicki Minaj knows she crushed a grip of feelings by pulling out of a controversial Saudi Arabia concert. The hip-hop veteran has come forward to encourage those fans to express themselves.

1.6k Views Comments Off on Nicki Minaj Responds To Shocked Saudi Arabia Fans Following Concert Cancellation

Onika went to Instagram Tuesday to tell followers to share their feelings in her comments section.

On Tuesday, Minaj came forward with an open statement revealing her decision.

“After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,” Minaj said in a statement. “While I want nothing more than to bring my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, 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.” (Statement)

The decision came days after the Human Rights Foundation urged Minaj to not perform in the controversial country.

The “Megatron” rapper was originally supposed to headline the festival on July 18. Though some rules have been loosened, which now allow women to drive and attend events in sports stadiums, gender segregation between single men and women is still practiced and enforced in many places in Saudi Arabia. (Variety)

Last week, Human Rights Foundation CEO Thor Halvorssen called out Nicki for her initial plan to perform overseas.

“Since coming to power in 2017, [Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman] has spearheaded a crackdown on human rights, especially those of the women who live in his Kingdom,” he wrote, providing many examples of abuse of power that directly result in abuse inflected on the Saudi people, especially women, members of the LBGTQ community and the press. “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.” (Billboard)

Comments Off on Nicki Minaj Responds To Shocked Saudi Arabia Fans Following Concert Cancellation

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

SOHH.com Writer. You're likely to find me covering hip-hop news and music releases. Netflix is still my go-to before Disney Plus.

2 Chainz, Post Malone, Slim Jxmmi, Juicy J, Jim Jones + More Sign A$AP Rocky Petition

Look: Rihanna Shares More Shots From Her New HARPER’S BAZAAR Cover Feature