Rod Stewart has turned down an offer to perform in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s human rights issues.
The performer was offered a big money deal to perform in the Middle East but declined due to the oppression of “women, the LGBTQ community [and] the press” in the region.
“I’m grateful that I have a choice whether or not to perform in Saudi Arabia,” he told the Daily Mirror. “So many citizens there have extremely limited choices… women, the LGBTQ community, the press.
“I’d like my choice not to go… to shine a light on the injustices there and ignite positive change.”
The Baby Jane star previously turned down £1 million to appear in Qatar – which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup – and despite an even bigger offer this time around sources say Stewart had no interest in accepting the deal.
“Rod was determined to do the right thing and couldn’t accept the offer, no matter how much money was on the table. Some things are more important,” they told the publication.
In Saudi Arabia, same-sex relationships are illegal and engaging in such can be punishable with the death penalty.
