“Mariah accepted the opportunity as a positive step towards the dissolution of gender segregation,” pop star’s publicist says
Mariah Carey is sticking to her plans to perform in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, despite growing backlash from women’s groups to cancel the concert over the Kingdom’s human rights abuses.
Carey is the biggest name to perform in the Kingdom since its ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, began loosening the country’s long-held restrictions on entertainment and pop culture.
“When presented with the offer to perform for an international and mixed gender audience in Saudi Arabia, Mariah accepted the opportunity as a positive step towards the dissolution of gender segregation,” the singer’s publicists told TheWrap in a statement. “As a female songwriter with a message of empowerment & equality, she looks forward to bringing inspiration & encouragement to all audiences.”
Also Read: Jim Carrey Depicts Trump and the ‘Saudi Slayer’ Sawing a Journalist to Pieces in Grisly New Cartoon
“As the first female international artist to perform in Saudi Arabia, Mariah recognizes the cultural significance of this event and will continue to support global efforts towards equality for all,” the statement went on to say.