Beyonce has postponed an Oct. 25 performance in Malaysia after Muslim conservatives in that country accused her show of being “immoral.” The Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, Malaysia’s largest opposition group, has called for the cancellation of the show because they say it would promote “Western sexy performances.” A statement released by Marctensia entertainment company says the decision to postpone was made solely by Beyonce. In 2007, she canceled a planned performance after protest threats from the Islamic opposition party, but said at the time it was a result of scheduling conflicts. Female performers in Malaysia are required by law to cover up from the shoulders to the knees, without any visible cleavage. And, last month, Marctensia said Beyonce and others involved had “come to an amicable understanding” about her performance costumes. (But the postponement suggests this wasn’t true.) If the problem here is Beyonce’s bedazzled leotards, we can’t wait to see the more conservative, body-covering versions she comes up with. Can Sasha be Fierce without showing off her legs, booty, and cleavage? What I can’t understand is why Bey would keep planning concerts in a country that has huge problems with her provocative costumes and choreography. Did she really think so much had changed in two short years, or is she really oblivious to how the rest of the world outside her bubble works? I’d rather see her challenge these social constraints in a productive manner than profit off ticket sales or the publicity of another canceled concert. [Starpulse]
