Sir Rod Stewart says he knocked back an offer of $1million (£845,000) to perform in Qatar because of their human rights record.
The rocker has also warned any homosexual football fans to be wary if they're travelling over for the World Cup. Celtic daft Rod has revealed that he was asked to travel to the country to bang out a few of his hits 15 months ago, but turned down the opportunity.
The 77-year-old has joined a number of celebrities how have hit out about the Gulf country hosting the World Cup, which kicks off this week.
According to The Mirror, Sir Rod said: “I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1million, to play there 15 months ago. I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms. Tell you what, supporters have got to watch out, haven’t they?”
Sir Rod’s stance is in stark contrast to a host of British stars who are taking the Qatari cash to perform out there.
Robbie Williams, 48, is to play at the Doha Golf Club on December 8, 10 days before the World Cup final, as part of the Qatar Live series of concerts.
Paul O’Grady has slammed the singer for accepting the role. He said: “I’m surprised at Robbie. There’ll be a backlash by the LGBTQ community if he does perform. No amount of money would get me there.”
Robbie also came under fire for performing at the 2018 tournament in Russia as well as playing to oligarchs who were later sanctioned by the UK Government after Moscow invaded Ukraine.
Fatboy Slim, 59, real name Norman Cook, will be one of the headliners at Qatar’s MDLBeast Aravia festival, along with Jorja Smith, 25.
DJ Calvin Harris and singers Craig David and Tinie Tempah are also all performing at events during the World Cup.
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, 70, has hit out at musicians taking Qatari money. He said: “It is incredibly hypocritical for these celebrities who have made a big deal of supporting LGBT rights to perform at events run by a viciously homophobic dictatorship.”
The Mirror revealed this month how Sir Rod was renting a house in Berkshire for a family of seven Ukrainians who had fled the war. He is paying all their bills too.
The singer has given two other refugees jobs at his Essex mansion, including as a gardener and a housekeeper. Sir Rod has pledged to address the conflict on stage next month after he kicks off his UK tour this week.
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