Beyonce, Usher, Mariah Told to Donate Qaddafi Earnings

As international pressure continues to mount on Libyan dictator Muammar el-Qaddafi, some within the music industry are calling for Beyonce, Usher, Mariah Carey and others who have performed for the leader's family to donate their earnings to charity.

Qaddafi's son Muatassim has hosted numerous parties featuring American artists, including a 2008 New Year's Eve gig featuring Mariah Carey, for which she was paid $1 million. Beyonce and Usher played a similar show a year later, while 50 Cent also performed before Muatassim in 2005.

Music business agents contacted by Rolling Stone suggested the superstars donate the money to a worthy cause. "If it were me, it would go to charity," said R.E.M. agent, Buck Williams.

Agent for the alternative rock band Arcade Fire, David T. Viecelli, also suggested, "Donate it to a charity that somehow assists some of the people who have suffered at the hands of that regime."

Thus far, none of the artists contacted by the magazine have issued a response. However, Grammy-winning singer Nelly Furtado has already agreed to return her earnings. She announced yesterday via Twitter: "In 2007, I received 1million$ from the Qaddafi clan to perform a 45 min. Show for guests at a hotel in Italy. I am going to donate the $."