I'm not a bad girl, says Gwen
2007-08-21 17:31
Kuala Lumpur - Gwen Stefani says she is "not a bad girl" and will dress modestly for her Malaysian concert, hoping to placate Islamic critics who claim she could corrupt this Muslim-majority country's youth, a news report said on Tuesday.
"I've made a lot of changes to my concert just for Malaysia. It's a major sacrifice that I have made as an artiste. But I'm willing to do it because I want my fans in this country to see me perform here," Stefani was quoted by The Star as saying on Monday after her arrival in Kuala Lumpur.
Stefani's publicist could not be contacted to confirm the report.
The 37-year-old American singer reportedly told Galaxie, an entertainment magazine published by Star Publications, that she would dress modestly, covering up with a jacket and leotards for the concert on Tuesday night.
"I've been in the music industry for 20 years and this is the first time that I'm facing opposition from people who have misunderstood me," Stefani reportedly said.
"I'm not a bad girl," The Star quoted her as saying.
The 10 000-member National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students has protested against the concert, claiming Stefani's fashion sense and cheeky performances clash with Islamic values.
'Respect for different cultures'
The opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party also has accused Stefani of promoting promiscuity and corrupting the country's youth.
It called for the cancellation of the show - part of Stefani's Sweet Escape world tour that also includes Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.
"What they said about me is totally the opposite of what I believe in and how I see myself. I have a lot of respect for different cultures and religions. Plus, I'm a mother," the daily quoted her as saying.
Malaysia's government guidelines for public performance require a female artist to cover from the top of her chest to her knees including shoulders.
No jumping, shouting or throwing of objects on stage or at the audience is allowed. Performers can also not hug or kiss and their clothes must not have obscene or drug-related images or messages.
"I will not mess up," Stefani said.
A local company that organised a Pussycat Dolls concert last year was fined 10 000 ringgit ($2 857) after the American girl group was found to have flouted decency regulations.
- AP