High Tension : Nicki Minaj Cancels Saudi Arabia Concert After Receiving Backlash

After receiving backlash, the Queen rapper revealed on Tuesday that she’s cancelling her performance in Saudi Arabia…. Minaj, known for her raunchy outfits and provocative stage performances, was due to headline the Jeddah World Festival on July 18, but her plan to appear was criticised last week on social media.

She told the Associated Press she pulled out of her show after “educating” herself on the many “issues” women, the LGBTQ community and other minority groups face in the country. By cancelling her concert, she said she wants to “make clear” of where she stands.

“After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest,” she told the publication. “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.”

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation (HRF) last week urged Minaj to cancel her performance, saying her appearance would be at odds with the rapper’s participation in festivities in New York marking Gay Pride month in June. Homosexuality is banned in Saudi Arabia.