The 'Peaches' hitmaker is asked by the Human Rights Foundation to cancel his upcoming performance at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 'as a symbol of solidarity.'
- Nov 11, 2021
AceShowbiz - Justin Bieber is under fire ahead of his performance at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on December 5. The "Where Are U Now" hitmaker has been asked by a human rights organization to cancel his upcoming show due to the "human rights crisis."
In an open letter from the Human Rights Foundation's chairman Garry Kasparov and CEO Thor Halvorssen, the 27-year-old singer was begged to call off his performance "as a symbol of solidarity with the ongoing suffering of the Saudi people." They also cited the country's barbaric treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and women in their message.
"We are writing to urgently inform you of the human rights crisis in Saudi Arabia, to explain the role that the regime of MBS [Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman] has played in violating the rights of tens of millions of Saudis," Garry and Thor began. They went on to ask the "Peaches" crooner to "consider the unfortunate implications of your engagement with the brutal dictatorship of MBS."
Garry and Thor continued, "To respectfully request that, in light of your status as a global personality, you take this opportunity to positively influence human rights policy in Saudi Arabia by canceling your appearance." They further stated that Justin needs to cancel his show "as a symbol of solidarity with the ongoing suffering of the Saudi people."
Garry and Thor also claimed that Saudi Arabia's monarchy "is happy" to throw money at entertainers in order to cover up their abuse of power. "The Saudi regime is happy to pay large sums to international celebrities to give the Kingdom a veneer of respectability, as long as the human rights violations occurring within Saudi Arabia are never mentioned," the letter dated November 2 continued to read.
Justin wasn't the first who was asked to pull out his performance in Saudi Arabia. Back in 2019, Nicki Minaj had to cancel a planned performance at Jeddah World Fest after receiving open letters from various rights groups including HRF. "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 "Superbass" raptress said at that time.
