Usher to Donate Gadhafi Money to Human Rights Organizations
After Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Nelly Furtado responded to mounting criticism for performing for Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, Usher is the latest star to speak out. The “OMG” singer, who appeared at a 2009 Beyoncé concert for the Gadhafi family in St. Barts, revealed that he’s “sincerely troubled” to learn that he made a cameo at a show linked to the dictator.
“I am sincerely troubled to learn about the circumstances surrounding the Nikki Beach St. Barts event that took place on New Year’s Eve 2009,” Usher said in a statement to The Associated Press. “I will be donating all of my personal proceeds from that event to various human rights organizations.”
Ursh has pledged to donate an undisclosed amount to human rights organizations including Amnesty International. “Amnesty International activists are working globally to press the international community to support Middle East activists,” a statement from the organization said. “Usher’s donation will support this urgent work to counter the brutal conditions like those imposed by Gadhafi and other leaders across the Middle East.”
After buckling under pressure for unknowingly performing for Gadhafi, an “embarrassed” Mariah said she would donate fees from her upcoming benefit song “Save the Day” to create awareness for human rights issues, while Beyoncé previously donated her earnings to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti and Furtado pledged to give hers away as well.