Pop stars pressured to cover up in Malaysia - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

ABlairican Pie · 08-23-2007, 01:00 AM

MSNBC.com

Pop stars pressured to cover up in Malaysia

Gwen Stefani made “a major sacrifice” at recent Kuala Lumpur concert

The Associated Press
Updated: 2:44 p.m. PT Aug 22, 2007

Beyonce's miniskirts won't be welcome at her upcoming Kuala Lumpur concert.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Some of the world’s top pop stars are facing growing pressure to keep skimpy outfits and steamy dance moves off the stage during their concerts in Muslim-majority Malaysia, event organizers said Wednesday, citing protests by conservative Islamic critics who believe such Western performers can corrupt youths.

Gwen Stefani made what she called “a major sacrifice” by wearing clothes that revealed little at a Kuala Lumpur performance Tuesday. Muslim students and political activists had called for her concert to be scrapped because of her sexy reputation.

Promoters have announced that Beyonce is scheduled to perform Nov. 1 in this Southeast Asian country — but with caveats.

“We’ve informed Beyonce’s management about this issue of clothes, but it takes some of the fun out of it,” said Razlan Ahmad Razali, chairman of Pineapple Concerts, which is organizing Beyonce’s concert.

“Beyonce won’t be able to do the kind of show here that she does elsewhere,” Razlan told The Associated Press. “She’s a fashion icon, and we know that she often wears miniskirts and clothes that expose her navel during her performances. It’s a pity to restrict her, because her costumes are all tasteful and glamorous.”

Kanye West faced a different problem when he came to Kuala Lumpur in April because government officials said he should not perform one of his biggest hits, “Jesus Walks,” because of religious sensitivities about the title, Razlan said.

Malaysia’s government guidelines for public performances require a female artist to cover up from the top of her chest to her knees, including her shoulders. Performers may not hug or kiss, and their clothes must not have obscene or drug-related images or messages.

A Pussycat Dolls concert last year caused its Malaysian organizers to be fined ($2,857) after the group was accused of flouting decency regulations.

Such concerns have made Malaysia less appealing to some stars. A concert promoter, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the hassle about clothes was one of the reasons that Christina Aguilera skipped Malaysia during a recent Asian tour that included neighboring Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, the country’s biggest political opposition group, which opposed Stefani’s appearance, says it will probably protest further if Beyonce or others like Justin Timberlake perform here.

“Even with Gwen Stefani, we’re not satisfied just because she covered up at the concert,” said party official Kamarulzaman Mohamed. “Outside, she still wears sexy clothes and influences teenagers who idolize her. It’s bad to have immoral artists visiting Malaysia.”

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

catlover79 · 08-23-2007, 01:04 AM

GOOD!! At least some countries are taking a stand. Poor Ms. Stefani, what a "sacrifice" - go home to your luxury mansions and cry into your millions of dollar bills.

Boo hoo.

Mikado · 08-23-2007, 01:12 AM

^^^

^^^

ABlairican Pie · 08-23-2007, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

GOOD!! At least some countries are taking a stand. Poor Ms. Stefani, what a "sacrifice" - go home to your luxury mansions and cry into your millions of dollar bills.

Boo hoo.

Yeah Gwen and Beyonce, BYOB*.

(Bring Your Own Burqas)

catlover79 · 08-23-2007, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

Yeah Gwen and Beyonce, BYOB*.

(Bring Your Own Burqas)

BRAVO!!

ABlairican Pie · 08-23-2007, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

BRAVO!!

Just remember, this is a heavily Muslim country that has strict prohibitions on what anyone can do or say or how anyone can dress in concert. It would not surprise me if Stefani or Beyonce were covered from head to to with even their hair being
"offensive" to many Muslims. Dressing down could get them arrested. Also, just like it said above, Kanye West cannot sing his song, "Jesus Walks" for "fear of offending Muslim sensibilities". Men cannot wear their hair long, and various songs are banned.

Malaysia and other Muslim countries are also cracking down heavily on metal fans and bands there, resulting in many arrests and preventing many popular bands from playing there. Cultural boards have been established in the government to determine if a Western artist is "safe" enough to perform there without "corrupting" youth. This is a complete clampdown on freedom of expression. It's time for religion to stop merging with politics and treating its citizens as if they're infants.

08-23-2007, 01:00 AM	#1
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,619	Pop stars pressured to cover up in Malaysia MSNBC.com Pop stars pressured to cover up in Malaysia Gwen Stefani made “a major sacrifice” at recent Kuala Lumpur concert The Associated Press Updated: 2:44 p.m. PT Aug 22, 2007 Beyonce's miniskirts won't be welcome at her upcoming Kuala Lumpur concert. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Some of the world’s top pop stars are facing growing pressure to keep skimpy outfits and steamy dance moves off the stage during their concerts in Muslim-majority Malaysia, event organizers said Wednesday, citing protests by conservative Islamic critics who believe such Western performers can corrupt youths. Gwen Stefani made what she called “a major sacrifice” by wearing clothes that revealed little at a Kuala Lumpur performance Tuesday. Muslim students and political activists had called for her concert to be scrapped because of her sexy reputation. Promoters have announced that Beyonce is scheduled to perform Nov. 1 in this Southeast Asian country — but with caveats. “We’ve informed Beyonce’s management about this issue of clothes, but it takes some of the fun out of it,” said Razlan Ahmad Razali, chairman of Pineapple Concerts, which is organizing Beyonce’s concert. “Beyonce won’t be able to do the kind of show here that she does elsewhere,” Razlan told The Associated Press. “She’s a fashion icon, and we know that she often wears miniskirts and clothes that expose her navel during her performances. It’s a pity to restrict her, because her costumes are all tasteful and glamorous.” Kanye West faced a different problem when he came to Kuala Lumpur in April because government officials said he should not perform one of his biggest hits, “Jesus Walks,” because of religious sensitivities about the title, Razlan said. Malaysia’s government guidelines for public performances require a female artist to cover up from the top of her chest to her knees, including her shoulders. Performers may not hug or kiss, and their clothes must not have obscene or drug-related images or messages. A Pussycat Dolls concert last year caused its Malaysian organizers to be fined ($2,857) after the group was accused of flouting decency regulations. Such concerns have made Malaysia less appealing to some stars. A concert promoter, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the hassle about clothes was one of the reasons that Christina Aguilera skipped Malaysia during a recent Asian tour that included neighboring Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, the country’s biggest political opposition group, which opposed Stefani’s appearance, says it will probably protest further if Beyonce or others like Justin Timberlake perform here. “Even with Gwen Stefani, we’re not satisfied just because she covered up at the concert,” said party official Kamarulzaman Mohamed. “Outside, she still wears sexy clothes and influences teenagers who idolize her. It’s bad to have immoral artists visiting Malaysia.” © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

08-23-2007, 01:04 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,392	GOOD!! At least some countries are taking a stand. Poor Ms. Stefani, what a "sacrifice" - go home to your luxury mansions and cry into your millions of dollar bills. Boo hoo.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

08-23-2007, 01:12 AM	#3
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,892	^^^^^^