Malaysian authorities banned Kesha from performing in the largely-Muslim country, despite the pop singer’s efforts to tailor her concert for a more conservative audience.
According to the Associated Press, authorities stopped the concert over fears that it would harm the country’s cultural and religious values.
The “Blow” singer agreed to change her suggestive lyrics and costumes, in order to abide by the authorities’ wishes. However, Livescape, the concert organizer, received notice that Kesha was prohibited from performing the night before the scheduled show.
Livescape confirmed the decision on its Facebook page Friday. “Unfortunately, despite efforts that were made down to the wire, including just minutes ago, we are distraught to confirm that the show will be cancelled.”
The concert promoter went on to say that it lost 1.1 million ringgit ($350,000) as a result of the last minute cancellation.
Kesha took to Twitter to express her anger.
to be clear. I did NOT cancel. I was not allowed to play. and then I was going to play anyways and was threatened with imprisonment.
— ke$ha (@keshasuxx) October 26, 2013
Despite Kesha’s tweet, BBC reports that no official threat of imprisonment was made. A PR representative for Livescape suspects it was just a comment made in frustration.
Performing in Malaysia has been problematic for pop singers in the past. In 2006, the Pussycat Dolls were fined for their provocative dancing routines. Then in 2007, Gwen Stefani was forced to alter her concert wardrobe, after protesters claimed her revealing outfits would corrupt the country’s youth. The backlash Stefani faced caused Beyonce to back out of her Malaysian concert that same year.
Now with Kesha’s ordeal, pop artists may be deterred from performing in Malaysia for good.
Image: Peter Kramer/NBC
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