Lambert ordered to 'tone down'
2010-10-12 10:26
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian authorities have ordered US glam rocker Adam Lambert to tone down his act when he performs in the conservative Muslim-majority country on Thursday.
Lambert, who shot to fame in the American Idol contest, is openly gay and has created controversy with his performances, including at the American Music Awards where he simulated a sex act on stage and kissed a male keyboardist.
Malaysian authorities have given the green light to Lambert's show in the capital Kuala Lumpur, part of his Glam Nation tour, despite objections from the hard-line Islamic opposition party PAS.
However, he has been told to comply with a list of conditions, including not removing his clothes while performing.
"Previously we stopped (hip hop artist) Akon's concert... because the singer had acted indecently by removing his clothes during a previous concert," a ministry official told the Star daily.
Minor adjustments
He also said that concert organisers had been given a briefing on the regulations.
Lambert said on Twitter that he had agreed to the demands, but defended his show against allegations from the Islamic party that it promotes a gay lifestyle.
"While I don’t believe that my Glam Nation tour is in any way offensive I have agreed to make a few minor adjustments out of respect for the Malaysian government," he said.
"Does my show 'promote the gay lifestyle'? It promotes living ANY lifestyle that includes the freedom to seek love and intimacy," he said.
Homosexual sex is a criminal offense in Malaysia, carrying penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.
Performances by foreign artists frequently come under fire, forcing events to be cancelled or modified. Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and Gwen Stefani were both forced to swap skimpy outfits for more modest attire.
- SAPA
