50 Cent is the latest artist to find a charitable use for money earned from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s family. In a statement to E! News, reps for 50 said he gave the cash to UNICEF to aid in the organization’s relief efforts in the troubled African country. The emcee came under fire when news broke of his headlining performance at a private concert at the 2005 Venice Film Festival. The event was organized by Gaddafi’s family members.
As the violence continues in Libya, 50 is not the only star taking the heat recently. Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Usher and Nelly Furtado have all taken money for Gaddafi-linked performances. All have since donated the money to charity or have plans to make donations in the future. Carey, who is donating the proceeds from her new song “Save the Day” to charities raising awareness about human rights issues, says that artists need to take more responsibility. She said, quote, “This is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows. Ultimately we as artists are to be held accountable.”