Beyonce cancels Malaysia gig
US singer Beyonce Knowles has scrapped plans to stage her first concert in Malaysia.
But the R&B star will instead head to neighbouring Indonesia, which has less stringent rules about how performers must dress and behave, industry officials said today.
Knowles' Los Angeles-based talent agency, International Creative Management, said Knowles' November 1 date with Kuala Lumpur had to be broken "due to a scheduling conflict", according to an ICM statement made available by Malaysian entertainment organisers Pineapple Concerts.
The announcement followed recent speculation that Knowles - who is famous for her sexy image and skimpy outfits - was reluctant to fulfil the Malaysian government's demand for female performers to cover up from the top of their chests to their knees, including their shoulders.
"It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of The Beyonce Experience World Tour in Kuala Lumpur," the ICM statement said. "It was to mark the very first time the performer would bring her show to Malaysia."
Knowles will instead perform on November 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia, the statement said, adding that Knowles "is looking forward to performing for all her fans in Kuala Lumpur in the near future".
