I have the choice whether or not to perform.. many in Saudi Arabia have extremely limited choices - the LGBTQ community, women, the press -SIR ROD STEWART

ROD SNUBS GULF GIG OVER HUMAN RIGHTS

- TOM BRYANT

SIR Rod Stewart has turned down one of the biggest pay cheques of his career by refusing to perform in Saudi Arabia because of the kingdom's human rights abuses.

The pop superstar rejected the lucrative deal over its discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people and the brutal silencing of its critics.

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.

"I'd like my choice not to go to shine a light on the injustices there and ignite positive change."

A source close to the 78-year-old rocker said he has used his "moral compass in making the decision".

They added: "Rod was determined to do the right thing and her couldn't accept the offer, no matter how much money was on the table.

"Some things are more important." Sir Rod previously told how he rejected £1million to play in Qatar.

MURDER

The singer's team declined to comment on how much he was offered this time around but it's understood the figure was "much higher".

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Saudi Arabia, with the death penalty a possible punishment.