Controversial Moroccan star Saad Lamjarred Iraq concert stormed by protesters
Controversial Moroccan star Saad Lamjarred Iraq concert stormed by protesters
Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred’s concert in Iraq was cancelled after protesters stormed the venue he was set to perform in under the premise of 'forbidding evil', following sexual harassment allegations made against the singer.
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Activists called for Lamjarred’s concert in Baghdad to be cancelled in May over allegations of sexual assault [Getty]
Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred’s concert in Iraq was cancelled after protesters stormed the venue he was due to perform in, according to reports.
Lamjarred was due to perform on 9 June at Sinband Land– an “entertainment and arts” hub - in Iraq’s capital Baghdad.
However, before the controversial singer – who has previously been accused of rape and sexual assault– took to the stage, dozens of supporters of Iraqi Shia armed organisations stormed the venue under the premise of “forbidding evil”, Arabi21 reported.
"We cancelled the concert...[and] we tried to calm the situation so we could secure the evacuation of the people [present]," Sinband Land said in a statement highlighting the protection of guests as their priority.
"We are not sorry for our financial sacrifice, but we will demand the most severe penalties against those who incited and led this attack,” the venue continued.
Lamarrad did not publicly acknowledge the cancellation, however took to Instagram to thank those who made an effort in the preparations of the show.
“The people of Iraq, dear to my heart… I would like to thank the entire Iraqi team for their efforts during the period of preparations for the concert,” Lamjarrad said.
“I will see you soon… all the love for you,” he added.
Activists called for Lamjarred’s concert in Baghdad to be cancelled in May over allegations of sexual assault, as the Arabic hashtag "Saad Lamjarred’s concert is rejected" went viral on social media platforms.
Iraqis questioned how a man with cases of rape and harassment could be allowed to perform in their capital.
The 37-year-old singer rose to fame after his 2015 hit 'Lmaallem', which has had more than a billion clicks on YouTube, making it the most-viewed video by an Arab artist on the platform.
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