PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – Mixed feelings have risen among fans of Bruno Mars about his upcoming performance in Kuala Lumpur on September 17 for his perceived support for the Israeli regime.
Vanessa, a social media manager and fan since 2010, initially planned to buy tickets but changed her mind after discovering Mars’ concert in Tel Aviv.
“This genocide against Palestine has been happening for decades now.
“Mars should step forward and condemn the Israeli government, as there have been many instances of the apartheid regime military committing atrocities against Palestinians.
“Staying silent on the matter means you’re ignorant or complicit,” said the 24-year-old.
Sharing a similar sentiment was mental health therapist and corporate trainer Alia Alias, who said she refused to buy tickets despite being a huge fan of Mars.
“I didn’t think much about the concert at first until I saw BDS Malaysia’s statement.
“I know that the organisation does its research, which is why I’m choosing not to go,” said Alia, 35.
She said cancelling the Mars concert would not be a big deal.
“We have (English-Albanian singer) Dua Lipa and (American pop rock band) Lany coming over, and I’m sure they will make up for it,” Alia said.
However, she doubted that the concert would be scrapped just because there were people who are upset with Mars.
“These things take a long time to plan. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be a mini protest outside the venue,” she added.
Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia, a non-violent Palestinian-led movement promoting boycott, divestment and economic sanctions against the apartheid regime, has called for a boycott of the concert.
It said Mars had remained silent about Israel’s ongoing aggression in Palestine and even performed in Tel Aviv on Oct 4.
A university student who wanted to be known as Matt, however, said the concert should go on because Mars had never expressed his support for the apartheid regime army.
“I think the boycott should only apply to public figures who actively support the Zionist regime,” he said.
Matt said cancelling Mars’ concert would be more of a loss to Malaysia than to the performer himself.
“He is a really big star. Cancelling this concert is just going to be a missed opportunity for our country,” he said.
On June 21, concert organiser Live Nation announced that Mars would be staging a one-night show at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Mars – who is known for hits such as Grenade, Just The Way You Are and Versace On The Floor – last performed in Malaysia in 2018.
