Lady Gaga Responds to Concert Ban

Published
Getty Images

Lady Gaga has responded for the first time to the denial of a concert permit in Indonesia and her promoters say they are negotiating with authorities to get the ban reversed. 

Indonesian authorities announced last week they had denied Lady Gaga a
permit to perform at Jakarta's 52,000-seat Gelora Bung Karno stadium next month because of pressure from
hard-line Islamic groups and conservative legislators who complained that her
sexy clothes and dance moves could corrupt young fans.

The singer took to Twitter to give an update on the planned show, which had sold at least 30,000 tickets when the ban was announced. "The Jakarta situation is 2-fold: Indonesian authorities demand I censor the show & religious extremist separately, are threatening violence." At least 30,000 tickets had reportedly already been sold when the cancellation was announced.

RELATED: Indonesia Gags 'Dangerous' Gaga

"If the show does go on as scheduled, I will perform the BTWBall alone," said Gaga, referring to her "Born This Way Ball" show. She did not elaborate on what she meant by saying she would perform solo.

While a lawyer working for the promoters said they are working to fulfill administrative requirements to obtain a concert permit, a police spokesman said Tuesday that in addition to securing permits from the tourism ministry and the concert venue owner, promoters must "ensure she is dressed appropriately and does not violate cultural norms in this country."

One of the most vocal advocates of the ban on Lady Gaga's Indonesian show was Salim Alatas, head of the hard-line Islamic Defender Front (FPI). "She's a vulgar singer who wears only panties and a bra when she sings and she stated she is the envoy of the devil's child and that she will spread satanic teaching," he said. "This is dangerous."

VIDEO: Lady Gaga to Be on Simpsons Season Finale