First artist to get the complete ban, the Grammy-winning singer received the bad news after she arrived in the country.
- February 29, 2012
AceShowbiz -
Erykah Badu is the latest singer to stumble on her way to perform a scheduled concert in Malaysia. The Grammy-winning singer was banned to commence with her show in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, February 29 after photos of her with what looked like a temporary tattoo with Arabic word for "Allah" surfaced.
Malaysian information minister Rais Yatim said that the tattoo is an "insult to Islam and a very serious offense". The body art, which is forbidden in Islam, "triggered public criticism that could jeopardize national security and cause a negative impact to the government's image".
Ironically, Badu had arrived in the Asian country when the decision was delivered to her by the officials. She reportedly is "worried and dismayed" over the incident. She seemed excited of performing in the country at first, tweeting "Malaysia !!", before adding a few hours later, "I deserve it".
Meanwhile, The Star which published the photos of Badu on Monday, has issued an apology. "We deeply regret any offence caused to Muslims and sincerely apologise for the oversight," the magazine said.
Badu is the first performer to get the full ban from performing in Malaysia. Beyonce Knowles, Gwen Stefani, and Avril Lavigne met some obstacles regarding their outfits but chose to abide to the conservative request in order to go on with their concerts.
