50 Cent, linked to Qaddafi event, donates money
(CBS/AP) 50 Cent is the latest musician to make a contribution to a charity after it was revealed he performed at an event linked to the clan of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.
A statement released to The Associated Press on Wednesday said the rapper will be making a donation to UNICEF to help with the organization's relief efforts during the turmoil in Libya.
"In light of the ongoing events in Libya, 50 Cent will be making a donation to UNICEF, which is providing vital relief supplies to meet the needs of women and children at risk during this crisis," said a representative for 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson.
The rapper performed at a private event during the Venice Film Festival in 2005 that was later linked to the Qaddafi clan. Qaddafi is battling rebels who are revolting against his rule, and faces an investigation for possible war crimes.
50 Cent isn't the first artist to have performed for the Qaddafi clan. Last week, Beyonce, Usher, Mariah Carey and Nelly Furtado all announced donations to charity in the wake of their participation in private concerts connected to the Qaddafis.
Furtado acknowledged on Twitter that she got $1 million to perform for guests in Italy in 2007; she said she was donating the money, but did not announce a charity.
Later that week, a representative for Beyonce said the superstar had already donated her fee, which was not disclosed, to Haiti earthquake relief efforts after she learned her 2009 New Year's Eve performance on St. Bart's was connected to the Gadhafis. Carey, who performed in St. Bart's in 2008, said she wasn't aware of the Qaddafi link and was "embarrassed," but took full responsibility. Her representative said proceeds from a song on her upcoming album would be donated to organizations raising awareness about human rights.
Usher, who did not perform but was paid to appear at the Beyonce event, announced a donation to Amnesty International last week, saying he was "sincerely troubled" to learn about the connection. He also promised donations to other human rights groups.