Malaysia bans concert by US pop star Ke$ha, cites religious and cultural sensitivities

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have banned a planned concert by U.S. pop singer Ke$ha after deciding it would hurt cultural and religious sensitivities.

Concert organizer Livescape said it received a letter about the decision on the eve of the show that was supposed to be held Saturday at a Kuala Lumpur stadium.

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia said separately that it was rejecting the application for Ke$ha to perform for reasons of religion and culture.

The ministry’s statement did not elaborate. Ke$ha, whose hits include “Tik Tok” and “Die Young,” has songs that make explicit references to sex and liquor.

Last month, Malaysian officials also barred a performance by American metal band Lamb of God, accusing the Grammy-nominated group’s work of being blasphemous.