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The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is in crisis mode after scheduled performer Katy Perry has been banned from China, just days before the Shanghai event.
As Page Six reports, Katy had been issued a visa by the Chinese government to enter the country and sing at the show, but the decision was reversed after officials found a photo of her wearing a sunflower-adorned dress at a Taipei concert in 2015.
The outfit was deemed offensive by the Chinese government, as the flower is used as a symbol by anti-China groups in the country. She also waved a Taiwanese flag.
“She was initially granted a visa to perform at the VS show in Shanghai, then Chinese officials changed their minds and yanked her visa,” a source explained.
“For every artist who wants to perform in China, officials comb through their social-media and press reports to see if they have done anything deemed to be offensive to the country. Maroon 5 was banned a few years ago because one band member wished the Dalai Lama happy birthday on Twitter.”
Lady Gaga was banned from China in 2016 after meeting with the Dalai Lama, the exiled leader of the Tibetan Buddhists who continues to argue for Tibetan self-rule despite the country being occupied by China for 67 years.
Page Six reports Harry Styles will replace Perry.
Katy’s ‘indefinite’ cancellation is the second major visa drama for Victoria’s Secret.
Yesterday Gigi Hadid announced she would no longer walk in the parade as previously announced, and while she did not give a reason, her last-minute pull out comes a few months after many in China were angered by a video they claimed showed her being racist.
The clip was posted by Bella Hadid and showed Gigi squinting and holding her eyes, appearing to mock Asian facial features.
Hadid attempted to apologise in a post on Chinese social media website Weibo in September, writing, “I have learned to be very careful of how my actions can come off or be portrayed, and I’m hopeful you’ll accept my apology,” the post said.
But apparently the apology was not accepted, by Chinese officials at least.
“I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year,” Gigi tweeted on Friday. “Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!!”
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is on Tuesday November 28.
