Rapper Nicki Minaj pulls out of Saudi concert citing support for LGBTQ community, freedom of expression

Rapper Nicki Minaj has pulled out of the concert in Saudi Arabia because she said she wants to show support for the rights of women and LGBTQ people along with freedom of expression.

In a statement, the chart-topping Trinidadian rapper told the Associated Press news agency, after “careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest”.

“I believe it is important for me to make clear my support for the rights of women, the LGBTQ community and freedom of expression,” she said.

Minaj – whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj – was originally scheduled to headline the concert on July 18.

The news of her performance in Saudi Arabia created a storm in the virtual world.