Beyoncé cancels over fears of Muslim row

Published on Wednesday 3 October 2007 01:11

BEYONCÉ Knowles, the American pop star, has axed her debut concert in Malaysia in protest against the nation's ultra-strict dress code and over fears of a Muslim outcry against her show.

Her agent, ICM, cited a "scheduling conflict" as the reason for the cancellation, but an industry source said that, unofficially, she was unhappy over a possible hostile reception in the mainly Muslim nation.

"They foresee that when she comes over to Kuala Lumpur, there will be protests against her," the source said. "They didn't want that to happen."

Although Malaysia is a moderate Muslim country with sizeable non-Muslim minorities, conservative groups often frown upon departures from strict Koranic injunctions.

The source said Beyonc, known for her skimpy outfits and whose hits with the girl group Destiny's Child include Bootylicious, also balked at government rules banning sexy attire and running and jumping on stage.

"It's also beyond the dressing," the source said. "She has to change the show. Basically, the ministry wants her to stand in front of the microphone and open her mouth: just sing and not move."

Ironically, Beyonc will instead perform in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta on 1 November. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country.

Last August, another American singer, Gwen Stefani, went ahead with her show in Malaysia, despite calls from Muslim students demanding that the event be cancelled on the grounds that her act was too obscene.

However, she wore no revealing costumes, in line with the guidelines.