Beyoncé Is Permanently Banned From Malaysia
From music royalty to powerful businesswoman, Beyoncé is a household name with superstardom status. While being one of the most famous women in the world has its perks, it also comes with scrutiny from everyone. However, Beyoncé’s strong will and history of standing up for what she believes in can lead to controversy from critics. Even when Beyoncé faced some of her most controversial moments, loyal fans from the Beyhive showed their support and came to her defense. With such a large following, it may come as a surprise to many that Queen Bey is banned from touring or even visiting this one country.
Bey’s rise to fame
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is no stranger to performing, so it’s not surprising she is now a cultural icon. At a young age, she was the winner of many singing and dancing competitions. Then in the ’90s, she broke into the entertainment world as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child. Beyoncé’s release of her first solo album is what skyrocketed her to the music legend and superstar we know today. In addition to being a best-selling music artist, she has starred in several popular movies over the years.
Best known for her amazing singing and performing talents, Beyoncé is also a proud mother and wife. She and singer Jay-Z tied the knot privately in 2008 and have been one of the most famous Hollywood couples ever since. While they try to keep their family life private and let fans in on their terms, it does not keep them from enduring harsh criticism.
Controversial moments for the star
From controversial Super Bowl halftime performances to provocative dance moves on stage, Bey faces criticism in all she wears and does. Headlining the 2013 Super Bowl with former Destiny Child’s bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, made for a fan-pleasing performance. However, not everyone was impressed with their choice of low-cut leather outfits and some sexual insinuations made by the singer. Even besides Beyoncé’s revealing outfits, there have been other situations prompting major controversy.
One being her music video for Formation, which prompted many pro- and anti-Beyoncé discussions. The video is a rather political and personal view of the Black American identity and experience. While Beyoncé is not the only artist to promote and support social justice movements, like Black Lives Matter, she and Jay-Z have faced some backlash from their stance. The influential star is known for standing up for what she believes and is not afraid to speak out against racial injustice. Most recently, she is embracing Black history and African tradition with the release of the visual album Black is King.
Why Beyoncé is banned from Malaysia
While it’s not uncommon for celebrities to get banned from other countries due to their publicized actions, it may come as a surprise to some in the Beyhive that Beyoncé is one of them. Malaysia issued a ban on Beyoncé from ever touring, performing, or entering, according to Cosmopolitan. With the country’s strict Muslim leadership, it deemed Beyoncé is too provocative for Malaysia.
Beyoncé was scheduled to perform in Malaysia in 2007, but due to inappropriate outfit concerns that led to the ban, she had to cancel her performance in the country. According to a BBC report, “Female performers at Malaysian concerts are required by government rules to cover up from the shoulders to knees, with no cleavage showing.” Since Beyoncé is known for her confidence and sexy performances, it is understandable for the ban. However, it is surprising that it is such a strict and permanent ban for the well-loved celebrity.
