John Legend truly a legend (and LGBTI ally)

SINGER John Legend’s public refusal to attend a high-profile party at the Beverly Hills Hotel due to its part-ownership by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has seen him join a list of celebrities who have publicly denounced or boycotted the leader of the south-east Asian nation.

The Sultan grabbed headlines last year when he imposed laws calling for the stoning of gay men and individuals who are convicted of anal intercourse.

In a public statement, the All of Me singer’s representative said he would not be attending the LA Confidential party at the Beverly Hills Hotel “in light of the horrific anti-women and anti-LGBT policies approved by the hotel’s owner”.

“These policies, which among other things could permit women and LGBT Bruneians to be stoned to death, are heinous and certainly don’t represent John’s values or the spirit of the event,” the statement read.

“John does not, in any way, wish to further enrich the Sultan while he continues to enforce these brutal laws.”

LA Confidential organisers have stated that their decision to hold their event at the hotel was in no way reflective of their views nor an endorsement of the Sultan’s abuse of human rights.

At the time of publishing, the party was still due to go ahead at the chosen venue.