Dua Lipa, a singer originally from Kosovo, denied media reports that she will perform at the opening of the World Football Championship in Katra. She explained that she will perform in that country only if the situation regarding respect for human rights improves.
Qatar, namely, caused concern among members of the LGBTQ+ community who are planning to travel to that country during the championship because homose*uality is illegal there. In addition to concerns for the LGBTQ+ community, human rights groups have condemned the country's discrimination against women and the abuse of migrant workers building structures for the World Cup.
"There is currently a lot of speculation that I will be performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Qatar. "I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiation to perform. I will be cheering England on from afar...
One love, Dua." said Dua Lipa on Instagram.
Sir Rod Stewart recently revealed he turned down the opportunity.
"I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1m, to play there 15 months ago. I turned it down. It's not right to go," he told the Sunday Times.
"And the Iranians [football team] should be out [of the World Cup] too for supplying arms", he added, in reference to Iran's supply of explosive drones to Russia, which Iran has denied. David Beckham, ambassador of Qatar World Cup, has received an ultimatum from comedian Joe Lycett.
As a reward for Beckham ending the reported multimillion-pound deal with Qatar, Lycett has pledged to donate £10,000. Speaking to the BBC last year, a source close to the star said: "Of course David wanted to ensure that he was informed about the facts and any concerns that he might have for his gay friends, football supporters and fans.
Some of the laws and beliefs in the region differ to his own but the Qataris have always said that everyone will be safe and welcome at the World Cup in 2022 and he believes that commitment is sincere and has seen evidence of proactive engagement with the international LBGTQ community by the World Cup organisers."
Dua Lipa Slams UK Government’s Views on Albanians as "Small-Minded"
Dua Lipa and Romain Gavras Light Up the Cannes Film Festival
Dua Lipa and Donatella Versace are preparing a big thing for us!
Dua Lipa arrived in Albania after receiving citizenship to give a concert
Dua Lipa has been granted citizenship by the Albanian government
After a concert in Australia, Dua Lipa poses in a mesh dress