Usher has promised to donate the money he received for playing a private gig for the family of Colonel Gaddafi to charity.

The singer’s big-money performance at a New Year’s Eve party in St Bart’s in 2009 came under the spotlight last week amid growing tensions in Libya.

"I am sincerely troubled to learn about the circumstances surrounding the Nikki Beach St. Bart's event that took place on New Year's Eve 2009,” he told ABC News.

“I will be donating all of my personal proceeds from that event to various human rights organisations."

Usher has already made a donation to Amnesty International, a spokesperson added.

Last week, Beyonce and Nelly Furtado also donated money they were given for playing private gigs for the Gaddafi clan to charity.

(by Jason Gregory)