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February 28, 2011

Link

Singer Nelly Furtado said on Monday that she will give away $1 million she received to perform in Italy for the family of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Gaddafi has been condemned for using violence to quell a popular uprising, with the death toll from nearly two weeks of fighting estimated by diplomats at about 2,000.

Furtado, a Canadian singer whose hits include "I'm Like a Bird" and "Promiscuous," used the website Twitter to disclose her plans for the $1 million.

"In 2007, I received $1 million from the Qaddafi clan to perform a 45 min. Show for guests at a hotel in Italy," she wrote. "I am going to donate the $."

A spokeswoman for Furtado could not be reached to say which group Furtado plans to designate for her donation.

Furtado first rose to fame with the 2000 album Whoa, Nelly! She also appeared in the 2008 movie Max Payne.

[Edited 3/4/11 6:23am]

Yep. Get rid of the dirty money

Yeah, this is her cleansing her conscience of the dirty money - and doing so publicly makes it that much more obvious.

This was 4 years ago, so it seems she's getting in front of it before anyone else digs it up.

So does this make her seem conscionable, or does it make the initial performance seem like even more of a mistake?

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(Beyonce at Nikke Beach in St Barts, Dec 2009)

Beyonce, Mariah, Usher, Pressured To Donate Qaddafi Money

February 28, 2011

Link

Over the past few years, some of music’s biggest names, including Mariah Carey, Usher and Beyoncé, have taken as much as a million dollars to play private shows for the family of Libya’s brutal dictator, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi – a man who this week ordered security forces to open fire on citizens protesting his rule, killing as many as "thousands," according to a UN official.

During New Year's Eve events on the Caribbean island of St. Barts in 2009, Carey received $1 million to sing four songs for one of Colonel Qaddafi’s sons, according to news reports and music-business sources, while Beyoncé and Usher played for an undisclosed fee the following year.

But now that Qaddafi's security forces have brutally cracked down on protesters throughout Libya, many in the music business are stepping up their public criticisms of the participating stars. "When I saw Beyoncé and Usher and whoever else was out partying with these Libyan criminals … these are people who have stolen tens of billions of dollars from their nation," says Howie Klein, former president of Reprise Records who is now a prominent leftist blogger. "What they all have in common is they're all kleptocracies – they've got a family stealing all the money. And for very, very wealthy American and British pop stars to take part in this kind of thing makes me want to puke."

"People put a big paycheck on the table, and people don't consider where the money is coming from, or what they're at least passively endorsing," adds David T. Viecelli, agent for Arcade Fire and many other acts. "I don't want to specifically say Beyoncé or Mariah Carey behaved unethically, because I don't know all the details. But if it's true that Muammar Qaddafi's son says, 'I've got $50 million, come and play for my buddies,' I really think you have to say no to that. Given what we know about Qaddafi and what his rule has been about, you have to willfully turn a blind eye in order to accept that money, and I don't think it's ethical."

The artists' reps declined comment: "No statement," said a rep for Randy Phillips, the AEG Live concert promoter who manages Usher. Asked if he had any comment, Chris Lighty, who manages Mariah Carey and other pop megastars, also declined. Beyoncé's management company, run by her father, Mathew Knowles, did not return phone calls.

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^ Beyoncé working for her cash, and the Gaddafi boys lapping it up.

I guess we'll see all of them jettisoning the dirty money now, to save face in the light of public scrutiny. It was dirty at the time they took it, and people said so too. It's not like no-one knew what Gaddafi's bloodstained regime was all about. Their consciences managed to live with it up to now, though.

Nothing like a lovely act of 'charity' to salve the conscience.... But I wonder if they'll also get rid of the interest that money accrued in their bank accounts, or through their investments, between the time they took it and the time journalists started raising eyebrows. And I wonder also if they'll make sure these acts of 'charity' count as tax deductible with the IRS, so they save them a pretty penny somewhere further along the line.

That aint Beyonce. That is a lookalike. Her hips are big, but not that big.

I'd pump it though..lol mmm

2freaky4church1 said:

That aint Beyonce. That is a lookalike. Her hips are big, but not that big.

I'd pump it though..lol mmm

It's her, I'm afraid... http://www.metro.co.uk/sh...n-revealed

I suspect that I, too, would likely yield to Queen B's shapely charms, in the highly unlikely event that the opportunity arose. I'd just have to face feeling terribly guilty the next day, if she'd paid for the hotel room with a wad of dirty bills from the crazy Colonel!

Lionel Ritchie is the next in line to apologize... he got $5 million to do 5 songs.

Here's a real question for the board.... two or three years ago, if Qadafi's sons had offerred you an insane amount of money to perform for them would you have taken it? If not, why not?

I realize you probably wouldn't NOW, since he's in the news as a supervillain again. But a couple years ago.

Anyone who's old as me remembers Qadafi for standing up to Reagan and making vague threats against America in the 80s, but I don't think we've had all that much reason to think about him ever since. While he didn't have a favorable public opinion, he wasn't considered one of the most brutal dictators, like Pol Pot or Idi Amin. Lots of stuff is coming out now about how he's treated his people all along but we weren't focused on him a few years ago.

And it's funny to me how they keep talking about how overpaid they were - like a million dollars a song for Lionel and Mariah - as if it would be more hateful to find out they'd done a full 90 minute show for all that money. Come on, if you're gonna sell yourself out to a dictator, at least please the fans!

Homegirl's been hittin kfc.

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Colonel Gaddafi's son Hannibal reportedly paid Beyonce $2M for the hour-long gig.

Beyonce Says She Donated Money She Got From Qaddafi Family

Published March 02, 2011

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Beyonce says she donated money she received for performing for the Qaddafi clan to Haiti relief efforts more than a year ago.

The superstar made the revelation in a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press. Her announcement comes days after singer Nelly Furtado tweeted that she had gotten $1 million from the Qaddafi clan to perform in Italy in 2007. Furtado says she's donating that money to charity.

Beyonce's publicist says she performed at a private party on the island of St. Barts on New Year's Eve in 2009. Once it was revealed that the performance was linked to the Qaddafi family, she gave the money and commissions to earthquake relief in Haiti.

Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi is being investigated for possible war crimes.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/en...z1FTrEL6Qk

NaughtyKitty said:

Beyonce Says She Donated Money She Got From Qaddafi Family

Published March 02, 2011

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Beyonce says she donated money she received for performing for the Qaddafi clan to Haiti relief efforts more than a year ago.

The superstar made the revelation in a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press. Her announcement comes days after singer Nelly Furtado tweeted that she had gotten $1 million from the Qaddafi clan to perform in Italy in 2007. Furtado says she's donating that money to charity.

Beyonce's publicist says she performed at a private party on the island of St. Barts on New Year's Eve in 2009. Once it was revealed that the performance was linked to the Qaddafi family, she gave the money and commissions to earthquake relief in Haiti.

Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi is being investigated for possible war crimes.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/en...z1FTrEL6Qk

Im finding this hard to believe its obvious this is about 'damage control'. These artists 'pimp' themselves out as long as the money right for entertaining these dictactors.

bobzilla77 said:

Lionel Ritchie is the next in line to apologize... he got $5 million to do 5 songs.

Here's a real question for the board.... two or three years ago, if Qadafi's sons had offerred you an insane amount of money to perform for them would you have taken it? If not, why not?

I realize you probably wouldn't NOW, since he's in the news as a supervillain again. But a couple years ago.

Anyone who's old as me remembers Qadafi for standing up to Reagan and making vague threats against America in the 80s, but I don't think we've had all that much reason to think about him ever since. While he didn't have a favorable public opinion, he wasn't considered one of the most brutal dictators, like Pol Pot or Idi Amin. Lots of stuff is coming out now about how he's treated his people all along but we weren't focused on him a few years ago.

And it's funny to me how they keep talking about how overpaid they were - like a million dollars a song for Lionel and Mariah - as if it would be more hateful to find out they'd done a full 90 minute show for all that money. Come on, if you're gonna sell yourself out to a dictator, at least please the fans!

Well you must not be that old because plenty of stories are out in the media back in the day about this butthead. He also has been accused of playing a role in the Lockerbee bombing and took in the asshole bomber when he was let out of prison. Enough reasons for anyone with half a brain to not want to work for this guy or his creepy sons.

But look at the artist we are talking about.

Mariah Carey 'Embarrassed' Over Gadhafi-Linked Concert

March 3, 2011

Mariah Carey says she was unaware that she was booked to perform a concert linked to Gadhafi's clan — and she's embarrassed "to have participated in this mess."

Carey is among a handful of entertainers who were paid handsome fees to give exclusive private concerts.

It was later revealed the people behind those concerts were the family of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, whose country is in an open revolt against him and who faces an investigation for possible war crimes.

Carey performed in St. Bart's in 2008, but in a statement released to The Associated Press on Thursday, she said she didn't know she was performing for an infamous family.

"I was naive and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess," the 40-year-old singer said. "Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately, we as artists are to be held accountable."

Carey's representative would not comment on how much Carey was paid for the performance. But she noted that Carey has donated millions throughout the years to charity, from royalties from her hits "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" to her own foundation, Camp Mariah.

The rep said Carey will also donate royalties for the song "Save the Day," which she has written for her upcoming album, to charities that create awareness for human-rights issues.

Link

What planet were these people living on to not know of Gadhafi and his reputation? It wasn't any different five years ago.

119 said:

What planet were these people living on to not know of Gadhafi and his reputation? It wasn't any different five years ago.

But it's not only stupid popstars that didn't mind the guys background... lots and lots of politicians too, who were accepting and treating him like he was legit and honourable.

Identity said:

Mariah Carey 'Embarrassed' Over Gadhafi-Linked Concert

March 3, 2011

Mariah Carey says she was unaware that she was booked to perform a concert linked to Gadhafi's clan — and she's embarrassed "to have participated in this mess."

Carey is among a handful of entertainers who were paid handsome fees to give exclusive private concerts.

It was later revealed the people behind those concerts were the family of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, whose country is in an open revolt against him and who faces an investigation for possible war crimes.

Carey performed in St. Bart's in 2008, but in a statement released to The Associated Press on Thursday, she said she didn't know she was performing for an infamous family.

"I was naive and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess," the 40-year-old singer said. "Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately, we as artists are to be held accountable."

Carey's representative would not comment on how much Carey was paid for the performance. But she noted that Carey has donated millions throughout the years to charity, from royalties from her hits "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" to her own foundation, Camp Mariah.

The rep said Carey will also donate royalties for the song "Save the Day," which she has written for her upcoming album, to charities that create awareness for human-rights issues.

Link

Out of all the artists' involved responses, I like Mariah's the best. She was honest and acknowledged her mistake and she held herself accountable for not being aware. I agree with the bolded part of her statement. Artists need to make themselves more aware of WHO they are performing for instead of how much they will be paid. Even if they didnt book the show themselves, like Mariah said, ultimately its the artists who will be held accountable.

NaughtyKitty said:

Identity said:

Mariah Carey 'Embarrassed' Over Gadhafi-Linked Concert

March 3, 2011

Mariah Carey says she was unaware that she was booked to perform a concert linked to Gadhafi's clan — and she's embarrassed "to have participated in this mess."

Carey is among a handful of entertainers who were paid handsome fees to give exclusive private concerts.

It was later revealed the people behind those concerts were the family of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, whose country is in an open revolt against him and who faces an investigation for possible war crimes.

Carey performed in St. Bart's in 2008, but in a statement released to The Associated Press on Thursday, she said she didn't know she was performing for an infamous family.

"I was naive and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess," the 40-year-old singer said. "Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately, we as artists are to be held accountable."

Carey's representative would not comment on how much Carey was paid for the performance. But she noted that Carey has donated millions throughout the years to charity, from royalties from her hits "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" to her own foundation, Camp Mariah.

The rep said Carey will also donate royalties for the song "Save the Day," which she has written for her upcoming album, to charities that create awareness for human-rights issues.

Link

Out of all the artists' involved responses, I like Mariah's the best. She was honest and acknowledged her mistake and she held herself accountable for not being aware. I agree with the bolded part of her statement. Artists need to make themselves more aware of WHO they are performing for instead of how much they will be paid. Even if they didnt book the show themselves, like Mariah said, ultimately its the artists who will be held accountable.

I like the fact that she didn't disclose whether or not she returned the money or not. I mean, it's not like its any of our business in the first place.

P.C. at it's best.

Damn near all money is dirty money.

bobzilla77 said:

Lionel Ritchie is the next in line to apologize... he got $5 million to do 5 songs.

Here's a real question for the board.... two or three years ago, if Qadafi's sons had offerred you an insane amount of money to perform for them would you have taken it? If not, why not?

I realize you probably wouldn't NOW, since he's in the news as a supervillain again. But a couple years ago.

Anyone who's old as me remembers Qadafi for standing up to Reagan and making vague threats against America in the 80s, but I don't think we've had all that much reason to think about him ever since. While he didn't have a favorable public opinion, he wasn't considered one of the most brutal dictators, like Pol Pot or Idi Amin. Lots of stuff is coming out now about how he's treated his people all along but we weren't focused on him a few years ago.

And it's funny to me how they keep talking about how overpaid they were - like a million dollars a song for Lionel and Mariah - as if it would be more hateful to find out they'd done a full 90 minute show for all that money. Come on, if you're gonna sell yourself out to a dictator, at least please the fans!

Oh hell yeah, I would have taken the money! F*** political correctness, it's a gig. Live shows is how recording artists really get paid. That is real life in the music industry.

It seems awfully hypocritical for people to expect pop stars to feel guilty about performing for dictators while at the same time the U.S. goverment (which is elected by the people) was sending prisoners to Egypt for "interrogation." Plenty of US owned corporations do lots of business with bad people, why should pop stars be held to a higher standard?

Im more appauled that they paid Nelly a million to perform.

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For those of you who may not be familiar with the people in the pics above, it´s Britain´s former prime minister Tony Blair, Italy´s Silvio Berlusconi and French president Sarkozy and former German chancellor Schröder with Ghaddafi.

This coked out dictator is responsible for bombing a club in Berlin in the 1980s that was frequented by many American soldiers and he also was responsible for the Lockerbee terrorist attack, and the human rights violations in his country were also not unknown to any of those politicians above.

I´m not saying that it was ok for Nelly F., Beyonce or Mariah to perform for Ghaddafi or his sons but, honestly, what do you expect them to do when even the leaders of some of the world´s most civilized countries say it´s perfectly okay to do business with that lunatic?

They should act like rolemodels and condemn crazy dictators but instead,they smile for the cameras with him and shake hands.

I´m neither shocked nor appalled to know that those artists performed for him, and as long as those politicians don´t donate such large sums to charity from their own pockets, I don´t see why those performers should. That´s what they do for a living, and I doubt that they even knew who they were performing for or what kind of a dictator he is. I don´t expect performers like them to be very well informed when it comes to dictators in some foreign lands who were terrorizing the western world when Nelly and Beyonce probably were still in their diapers.

Those politicians on the other hand are much,much more despicable in so many ways.

By the way, those are the tackiest looking pics of a Beyonce show I´ve ever seen. Talk about a zero class show.

Funny that her man Jay-Z was too scared to do a show in Istanbul, of all places, but then went to places like Libya and Nigeria instead.

[Edited 3/5/11 8:10am]

all these famous rich folks need to give money to those that need it. hate me if you wanna but I think Oprah and Bill Gaites plus other Billionaires should be taxed a world tax of about a billion dollars to help all the little people out. no tax increase on regulare citizens just the mega,mega rich who will never need that much money. most of them talk all this spiritual crap but live so lavish I mean how can they relate to everday people. oh yea I know money cant make you happy but come on it sure makes things easier.

Usher To Donate Gaddafi Money

March 6, 2011

Link

lastdecember said:

Im more appauled that they paid Nelly a million to perform.

50 Cent to Donate Gaddafi Gig Money to UNICEF

March 9, 2011