(CNN) -- It all started with a New Year's Eve party. The cushy gig probably sounded irresistible to singing sensations like BeyoncÃ©, Usher and Mariah Carey: a private concert in the luxurious Caribbean island of St. Barts to ring in a new year before a group of dignitaries who were big fans. But that was before everything came to light, courtesy of WikiLeaks. Those artists and others, including Nelly Furtado and rapper 50 Cent, have recently faced sharp criticism for accepting payments for performances from the family of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The scandal highlights how very easily stars can find themselves smack dab in the middle of a major political firestorm for simply doing what they do best: making money for their talents.
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Several pop stars have come under fire for performing for the family of Libyan dictator
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CEO of agency says due diligence must be performed before stars head overseas
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Marketing expert says fans feel drawn into politics if they support a star caught in scanda
Within the past few days, @placeholder©, Usher, Carey and Furtado have announced that they either have donated or plan to donate the money earned to charities.