Nicki Minaj is out, but the show must go on.
A week after Barbie pulled out of the controversial Jeddah World Fest in Saudi Arabia, promoters have announced some replacements. 50 Cent, Tyga, Future, Chris Brown and Janet Jackson are among the names who will perform today (Thursday) in the Middle East.
Nicki pulled out after backlash from fans and human rights organizations, citing Saudi Arabia’s discriminatory laws against women and members of the LBGT community.
Other acts who will play the fest today include DJ Steve Aoki and Liam Payne of One Direction fame.
Hot Takes:
- Sure seems like they waited to the last minute to announce these replacements — maybe so they could avoid potential backlash?
- Just because an artist performs somewhere doesn’t mean they fully support the local government and all its policies.
- Guess the money was more important than morality for these artists.