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Swedish singer Zara Larsson pulled out of her Dec. 3 performance at Etihad Live in Abu Dhabi, part of her Midnight Sun Tour, following pressure over the UAE's alleged support for paramilitary forces in Sudan's humanitarian crisis.
The exchange played out in the comments section of one of Larsson's Instagram posts.
A fan wrote, "Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show." Larsson replied, "I will not be going to Abu Dhabi," accompanied by a heart emoji.
Both comments have since been deleted.
The reaction online has drawn comparisons to other artists who've taken similar stances, with some fans praising Larsson's decision as a principled move, and drawing parallels to other musicians who've spoken out on or stepped back from Gulf-region bookings.
The backlash stems from allegations that the UAE has provided support to one side in Sudan's civil war.
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group accused of killing thousands of civilians and displacing millions amid the conflict, has allegedly received funding from the UAE, according to human rights organizations.
Some social media users have questioned the consistency of the criticism, asking why performing in the UAE would be treated differently from performing in countries such as the United States, whose foreign policy and military involvement have also drawn criticism.
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