Publication Jul 26, 2024 How the NBA got into business with an African dictator In the summer of 2018, inside a national arena that felt more like a small-college gym, the NBA commissioner shot free throws with the president of Rwanda.
Publication Nov 9, 2021 Justin Bieber Slammed by Human Rights Activists Ahead of Saudi Arabia Concert Justin Bieber is being accused by a human rights organization chaired by former chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov of becoming a “pawn” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman if he performs in Saudi Arabia next month.
Publication May 11, 2021 Akon’s Romance with Dictatorship Another chapter was recently written in the ongoing romance between celebrities and dictators. This time the dictator seeking to launder his reputation and distract from his crimes was Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
Publication Aug 6, 2020 Tyga Cancels Belarus Concert Criticized as “Propaganda Stunt” Rapper Tyga has been urged by the Human Rights Foundation to cancel a concert in Belarus organized by its “dictator” ruler and due to take place the night before a presidential election.
Publication Jul 9, 2019 Nicki Minaj pulls out of Saudi Arabia performance following backlash from human rights activists Hip-hop star Nicki Minaj said that she is no longer headlining a concert in Saudi Arabia this month after her decision to perform in the staunchly conservative nation generated backlash from human rights groups.
Publication Aug 3, 2015 Lionel Messi Slammed for ‘Partying with Oppressors’ by Human Rights Foundation The Human Rights Foundation has issued a scathing attack on Lionel Messi in the wake of his recent visit to Gabon, accusing the Barcelona icon of “partying with oppressors.”
Publication May 2, 2014 Erykah Badu’s Oppressively Apolitical Stance on Human Rights Entertainers have been learning the hard way that there are consequences for celebrating dictators.
Publication Oct 28, 2012 Urban Outfitters No Longer Carrying Che Guevara Shirts After Controversy After drawing public criticism for offering shirts emblazoned with the image of Argentine-born guerrilla leader Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the company no longer appears to offer the product.
Publication Oct 13, 2011 Hilary Swank Donating Fees From Chechen Leader’s Birthday Party to Charity Hours after issuing an apology for attending the controversial event, the actress responds to questions raised by the Human Rights Foundation.
