Rod Stewart explains the reasons why he refused to give concerts in Saudi Arabia. The musician said he made the decision to “shed light on the injustices” in the Middle Eastern country in a statement shared on his Instagram.

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I am grateful to have the choice whether or not to play in Saudi Arabia,” he said in his post. “So many citizens there have extremely limited options — women, the LGBTQ community, the press. I would like my choice not to go… to shine a light on the injustices there and be the start of positive change».

Stewart’s comment comes as British newspaper The Mirror reported that the singer had turned down an offer to perform in Saudi Arabia because of human rights abuses.

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