Sir Elton John performed at the Mawazine music festival in Morocco though his appearance is said to be banned.Islamist groups had tried to prevent his appearance, claiming the openly gay singer would offend public morals.But organisers of the Mawazine festival in Rabat defended his invitation in the interests of "cultural tolerance".The festival - which is under the patronage of Morocco's King Mohammed VI - has featured artists from around the world, among them Julio Iglesias, BB King and Carlos Santana.Security was heightened but it was later reported that there was some turbulence.
More than 40,000 people had attended the free concert claimed Aziz Daki, the festival's artistic director.Members of Morocco's Islamist Justice and Development Party had tried to have the event called off on the grounds that it would pose "a risk of encouraging homosexuality".But Mr Daki said to do so would "undermine the respect of privacy" and "breach certain values that the international Mawazine festival is based on".
Elton John was reported saying "I thank Morocco, the royal palace and the festival for inviting me," the British star said on Wednesday. "I am proud to be singing in Morocco.
"He made headlines earlier this year when he claimed Jesus was a "super-intelligent gay man" in an interview with a US magazine.
No comments:
Post a Comment