Seal’s performance at an October 5 party for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has landed him in hot water with the Human Rights Watch.  According to the Hollywood Reporter, the organization — which focuses international attention on countries where human rights are violated — has sent an inquiry to Seal after his performance at the lavish bash, which marked Kadyrov’s 35th birthday party.  The organization previously condemned Hilary Swank and Jean-Claude Van Damme for appearing at the same event.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Human Rights Watch is calling on Seal and the other stars to return any money they were paid to participate in the party, saying, “Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a litany of horrific human rights abuses. It’s inappropriate for stars to get paid to party with him. It bolsters his image and legitimizes a brutal leader and his regime. And getting paid to be part of such a lavish show in Chechnya trivializes the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses there.”

An insider tells the Hollywood Reporter that usually, stars can pull in six or seven figures for performing at a private event such as the party for Kadyrov.  Seal reportedly only sang two songs at the event due to time restrictions, but his fee is unknown.

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