On Instagram, Dua Lipa addressed rumors she’ll sing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 27-year-old singer, born in London to Kosovo parents, said she would only perform there if human rights improved. Qatar’s treatment of migrant labor and criminalization of same-sex partnerships have surrounded the 2018 football event. The treatment of the LGBTQ+ population in Qatar has worried fans expecting to see their team play there.
“I will not be performing and nor have I ever been involved in any negotiations to perform. I will be cheering England on from afar,” she wrote. “I look forward to visiting Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights pledges it made when it won the right to host the World Cup.”
Lipa’s opinion isn’t surprising given the host country’s record on homosexual rights and how it treated stadium workers.
The Guardian reported in Feb. 2021 that more than 6,500 migrant workers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have died in Qatar since it won the 2022 World Cup, likely while working on tournament-related projects.
Sir Rod Stewart turned down $1m to perform there last year. He told the Sunday Times, “I turned it down. It’s not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms [to Russia].”
Joe Lycett said he would shred £10,000 if David Beckham didn’t pull out of his Qatar World Cup deal. He has been criticized for accepting the money because he has been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. The player is reportedly getting paid £10m to be an ambassador for the event.
According to a report, England fans caught smuggling drugs in Al Bayt Stadium could face the death penalty. The Athletic reported that female World Cup attendees may be punished for reporting sexual assaults.