Pop Star Katy Perry’s Concert Outfit Causes Outrage In China

American pop singer Katy Perry got into trouble during her concert in Taipei, Taiwan on April 28. Whether it was intentional or not, it is not known but her fashion faux pas took political colours when she came to perform on stage wearing the Taiwan flag as a cape and China was outraged. Her fashion slip has been dubbed as a political slip throwing her in the midst of a controversy, according to E Online.

Perry wore a sunflower dress along with the cape which conjured up a two-fold Taiwan imagery. The sunflower connection might have been coincidental as she had worn the same outfit during her “Prismatic Tour” before. But, the Taiwan flag used as a cape by the singer was a new addition in her concert, although it’s unknown if Perry meant it as a political statement or simply as tribute to her audience. Many of her fans have shed tears over her outfit choice on social media moved by her statement.

The Sunflower Student Movement between March and April 2014 made use of sunflowers as a symbol of hope with a florist contributing 1000 sunflowers for the movement. Besides, it was an allusion to the World Lily Movement in 1990 which played a major role in the democratisation of Taiwan. Meanwhile Billboard reached out to Perry's rep for comment.

China and Taiwan split way back during a civil war in 1949. Economic ties between the two countries were restored under the leadership of Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou. But, cross-straits relations remain nervous as Beijing stands firm on its reunification stance. Besides, Beijing banned local celebrities who supported last year’s “Occupy Central” protests in Hong Kong. American saxophonist Kenny G removed a selfie taken at the city's demonstration site from his social media account.

“Fruit Sister” as Perry has been nicknamed for using fruit themed costumes will perform in Macau this weekend. The pop star’s concert tickets in Guangzhou and Shanghai this month have been a box office success, according to the Chinese media. In various media reports it was revealed that nearly 50 percent of the tickets were sold within half an hour on the first day of sales.

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