Nicki Minaj has canceled a performance in Saudi Arabia in a show of support for women's rights, the US rapper said Tuesday.

Minaj's scheduled appearance in the western city of Jeddah next week as part of a cultural festival had triggered a social media backlash.

"After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest," Minaj said in a statement sent to AFP by her publicist.

"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."

Minaj, known for her profanity-laced lyrics and raunchy music videos, was due to perform as headline act of the festival - to be televised globally on MTV.

Others scheduled to perform include British musician Liam Payne and American DJ Steve Aoki.

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation on Friday wrote Minaj an open letter urging her to withdraw from the festival.

SOURCE : KHALEEJTIMES