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Nicki Minaj is known for her provocative and highly badualized performances
Rapper Nicki Minaj canceled a scheduled performance in Saudi Arabia next week, citing her support for women's rights and the LGBT community.
His title at the Jeddah festival has sparked an uproar among critics of the country 's record of human rights.
Others have asked how his revealing outfits and his explicit words would go into the ultra-conservative realm.
Saudi Arabia has made efforts to ease restrictions on entertainment and to encourage the growth of its artistic sector.
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The country's human rights record has intensified following the badbadination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October.
In March, the kingdom sparked further criticism when it judged 10 women's rights activists.
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"After much thought, I decided not to go ahead with my planned concert at the Jeddah World Fest," said the singer in a statement.
"Although I want nothing more than to introduce my show to fans in Saudi Arabia, after I'm better informed about these issues, I think it's important for me to express it clearly. my support for women's rights, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression. "
On Friday, the US-based Human Rights Foundation wrote an open letter to Minaj asking him to withdraw from the July 18 festival.
She called on him to "refuse the regime's money" and to use his influence to demand the release of the detained activists.
Last week, some social media described the singer's decision to perform in Jeddah as a hypocrite, contrasting her appearances with events occurring at a gay pride with Saudi Arabia's position on gay rights. Homobaduality is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Minaj was not the first artist to spark controversy by accepting an invitation to perform in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this year, Mariah Carey challenged calls from human rights activists to cancel her representation in the kingdom, while rapper Nelly was criticized in December for giving a men-only concert. .
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