Dozens of female concertgoers in Qatar are claiming discrimination after they were denied entry to a Bryan Adams concert in Doha on Wednesday night.
At least 40 women were refused admission from the Grand Hyatt Doha by security because they were wearing headscarves. The country has strict rules banning women wearing headscarves or “traditional clothing” from entering venues serving alcohol.
WATCH: Prince William caught on camera ‘dad dancing’ in Swiss club
The banned concertgoers were left standing outside, and many complained that they weren’t given any advance notice by the concert organizers or the hotel. Many of the women and their friends took to social media to express their thoughts on what they claim is overt discrimination.
Tunisian expat Iram Kassis told Gulf Business magazine she was asked to leave the concert lineup because her sister was wearing a headscarf.
“Traditional dress” in Qatar usually means a black headdress (a shayla) and a black dress (an abaya) for women.
READ MORE: Amy Schumer shuts down internet troll news: ‘I am embarrassed for the journalists’
At the time of writing, neither Bryan Adams nor the Grand Hyatt Doha has issued a statement about the alleged discrimination. The hotel replied to a few tweets, saying it would raise the concerns “with the associated department” and concert organizers.
(For more, watch the video at the top of the article.)
Comments