Rod Stewart reveals why hes just turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabia

Sir Rod Stewart talks about losing his voice before being due to perform

Rod Stewart has refused a lucrative deal with Saudi Arabia to shine a light on “injustices”.

The musician turned down one of the biggest pay cheques of his career by refusing to perform in the country over human rights issues.

His reason for the rejection was due to discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, and the silencing of critics.

Speaking to the The Mirror, Sir Rod said: “I’m grateful that I have a choice whether or not to perform in Saudi Arabia.

“So many citizens there have extremely limited choices… women, the LGBTQ community, the press.”

READ MORE Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster suffers injury and forced to use crutches

He continued: “I’d like my choice not to go… to shine a light on the injustices there and ignite positive change.”

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia and is punishable by the death penalty.

A source close to the singer also told The Mirror: “Rod was determined to do the right thing and couldn’t accept the offer, no matter how much money was on the table. Some things are more important.”

The 78-year-old has also previously refused to play in Qatar, missing out on £1million to play there.

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The Qatar World Cup in 2022 saw the entertainment industry divided, with Sir Rod revealing a huge pay cheque he turned down.

He claimed he was offered over $1million (£850,000) to play in Qatar but declined due to the country’s human rights record.

The rocker also blasted organisers for allowing the football World Cup to take place in Qatar.

He told The Sunday Times last year: “I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1million (£850,000), to play there 15 months ago. I turned it down. It’s not right to go.”

He added: “And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms” referring to the drones supplied to Russia during the war in Ukraine.

The influential star began his career in the 1960s and he has been considered a legend in the entertainment world ever since.

He has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and he and his wife Penny Lancaster remain favourites in the public eye.

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