BY IVIE ANI • JULY 18 2019

Nicki Minaj pulled out of the Jeddah World Fest in support of LGBTQ and women’s rights.
Janet Jackson, Future, 50 Cent, Chris Brown, and Tyga have signed on to perform at the Jedda World Fest despite backlash over Saudi Arabia’s human rights violations.

According to the Associated Press, the event’s website was updated Wednesday to include the artists’ names, after Nicki Minaj pulled out of Thursday’s festival. The Human Rights Foundation has been asking entertainers to not perform in Saudia Arabia over gender segregation.

Minaj released a statement to Associated Press last week on her decision to cancel the gig saying, “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.”

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