Mariah Carey is being criticized by the Human Rights Foundation for performing a concert in Angola for the nation’s president, José Eduardo dos Santos, who the foundation calls a "notoriously corrupt" dictator.
Carey performed at a gala for the Angolan Red Cross on Sunday for two hours. The gala was sponsored by Unitel which dos Santos daughter owns. She also serves as the president of the Angolan Red Cross according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Dos Santos is reportedly responsible for the deaths of many politicians, journalists and activists. He allegedly has ordered the deaths of many who oppose him.
According to the Toronto Sun, HRF president Thor Halvorssen gave his honest and harsh opinion on Carey in a statement. “Mariah Carey can’t seem to get enough dictator cash, reportedly more than $1 million this time," the HRF president said. "Just five years ago she performed for the family of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Now, she goes from private performances to public displays of support and credibility for one of Africa’s chief human rights violators and most corrupt tyrants.”
Carey’s rep has yet to comment at this time but the Hollywood Reporter did reach out for a statement.
Carey isn’t the first star to be slammed for appearing at events hosted by controversial leaders. Artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Kanye West have also been criticized for similar appearances.
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