Liam Payne is urged to 'choose morals over money' and pull out of a concert in Saudi Arabia due to the country's poor human rights record, after Nicki Minaj quit the show
- Payne's scheduled appearance at Jeddah World Fest sparked fury with activists
- The backlash comes after the UN blamed Saudi for the Jamal Khashoggi murder
- Human Rights Foundation's Thor Halvorssen urged the singer to quit the show
Singer Liam Payne has been told to 'choose morals over money' by pulling out of a concert in Saudi Arabia which he is due to play at next week.
The former One Direction star has come under pressure following the decision by rapper Nicki Minaj not to perform due to the country's poor human rights record.
Payne's scheduled appearance at the Jeddah World Fest has sparked fury among activists angry at Saudi Arabia's criminalisation of gays, and jailing of women's rights activists.
Last month a UN report found there was 'credible evidence' the country's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, was behind the murder of the Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.
Singer Liam Payne has been told to 'choose morals over money' by pulling out of a concert in Saudi Arabia which he is due to play at next week
The former One Direction star has come under pressure following the decision by rapper Nicki Minaj not to perform due to the country's poor human rights record
Human Rights Foundation pointed to 25-year-old Payne's previous support for minorities oppressed by the Riyadh authorities as reason for him to withdraw.
Last year the singer spoke out in support of Pride in London and told the gay magazine, Attitude: 'My mates are my mates, regardless of their sexuality'.
As well as standing up for gay rights, Payne is also an ambassador for Boss and been involved in charitable organisations, particularly the children's charity, UNICEF and the UK cancer supporters, CLIC Sargent.
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And in 2013 he was among 100 musicians joining a call by Amnesty International for the release of the two jailed members of the Russian feminist punk group, Pussy Riot.
In a statement to MailOnline, the New York-based Human Rights Foundation's Thor Halvorssen said: 'It is surprising that Liam Payne, who so frequently has positioned himself as an ally for oppressed people and sexual minorities, has remained silent despite the public outcry. We hope he and his managers choose morals over money.'
Last month a UN report found there was 'credible evidence' the country's de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman (pictured in Osaka at the G20), was behind the murder of the Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi
Talking about Minaj who said she decided to pull out after 'better educating myself about the issues' following a backlash by the LGBTQ community , he added:
'Nicki Minaj demonstrates what leadership looks like. Human rights advocates should be grateful for her inspiring and thoughtful decision to reject the Saudi regime's transparent attempt to use her for a public relations stunt and for standing up for LGBTQ+ and women's rights.'
Jeddah World Fest, which is alcohol and drug free, will take place next Thursday at the King Abdullah Sports Stadium, and is also due to feature DJ-producer Steve Aoki.
Saudi organisers have said the concert will be broadcast globally and quick electronic visas will be issued for international fans who wish to attend.
Liam Payne (pictured performing at the HUGO Launch Party at Wriezener Karree) sparked a backlash among activists
Payne is also an ambassador for Boss and been involved in charitable organisations, particularly the children's charity, UNICEF and the UK cancer supporters, CLIC Sargent
Talking about why she pulled out, Minaj said: '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.'
In Saudi Arabia women have to live under the country's male guardianship system which rules they have to have a man's permission – whether it be father, husband or even son – to leave the house, go to work or travel abroad.
Gender segregation between single men and women is still enforced in many restaurants, coffee shops, public schools and universities.
In a move that was widely criticised as a stunt the Saudi authorities have given the women the right to drive and allowed them to attend events in sports stadiums.
But last year a dozen women's rights activists were thrown in jail, accused of offences such as working for a foreign power which amounted to treason.
According to reports Saudi Arabia has executed 122 people – including children and gays – in the first six months of this year.
MailOnline has approached Liam Payne's representatives for comment.
