Backlash forces Nicki Minaj to cancel performance in Saudi Arabia

American female rapper, Nicki Minaj has cancelled her scheduled performance at Jeddah World Fest in Saudi Arabia.

Minaj disclosed this in a statement made available to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The statement read: “After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest. 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.”

Earlier, Nicki Minaj was scheduled to headline the concert on July 18.