Erykah Badu traveled to Malaysia to perform for an audience of over 1,500 people, but unbeknownst to her, she'd been banned for photos that showed the singer wearing temporary tattoos reading "Allah." Malaysia's information minister announced that Badu wouldn't be allowed to perform in the country, because she insulted Islam.
During a press conference Erykah said she was "sad, because we traveled a long way," and added "But I'm totally understanding of (the minister's) protection of the laws and its people. He doesn't want anything to happen. I'm good with that."
The singer explained that the photo was done in the name of art, which is often misunderstood in the eyes of others.
"I think art is often misunderstood in the realm of religion, and it's OK. In America, it's a lot different. Art is also misunderstood but it is not such a harsh gesture to promote the names of God. I am learning and understanding about Islam in other countries more as we travel."
Erykah ended her conference by saying she'd love the opportunity to perform in Malaysia in the future, and set out to perform at a jazz festival in Jakarta, the capital of neighboring Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation.
Source: news.yahoo.com
