Carey 'embarrassed by Gaddafi performance'

Mariah Carey has insisted that she was unaware that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was behind a performance she gave in the Caribbean in 2006.

In an official statement, the singer admitted to feeling "embarrassed" by the link, promising to pay more attention to those for whom she performs private concerts.

"I was naive and unaware of who I was booked to perform for. I feel horrible and embarrassed to have participated in this mess," she explained.

"Ultimately we as artists are to be held accountable. Going forward, this is a lesson for all artists to learn from. We need to be more aware and take more responsibility regardless of who books our shows."

Carey's rep Cindi Berger also revealed that the star has already donated the $1 million she was paid for the gig, saying: "Mariah has and continues to donate time, money and countless hours of personal service both here and abroad."

Her statement comes just days after similar announcements by Nelly Furtado and Beyoncé, both of whom recently performed shows bankrolled by Gaddafi.