Lady Gaga ‘banned’ from China following meeting with Dalai Lama
The US pop star has allegedly been ‘banned’ from China after meeting with the religious leader to discuss yoga.
Lady Gaga is apparently the latest star to be added to China’s ‘hostile foreign forces’ list, after a video of the singer meeting with the Dalai Lama went public.
The pair met to discuss yoga, compassion and meditation in a 19-minute clip that has angered the country’s Communist Party, as well as her legions of Chinese fans.
The pop icon and a group of U.S. mayors met the Dalai Lama at the United States Conference of Mayors in Indianapolis over the weekend.
She hosted a Q&A session – with questions submitted online – and uploaded pictures of the event to her Instagram page.
The Buddhist figurehead is viewed by the Chinese as a dangerous separatist, leading many of Gaga’s fans to criticise their icon.
“I’m unfollowing Lady Gaga right now,” posted one user of China’s Twitter-like microblog Weibo.
“National interest is above all idols.”
“I’m really disappointed,” posted another.
“I loved Lady Gaga, for her outspoken character and achievements.
“But now I realise she doesn’t care about Chinese fans’ feeling at all. All these years’ love for her is in vain.”
However, some fans were quick to defend the Born This Way star.
“She did what feels right for her. I don’t understand the anger of her Chinese fans,” shared one fan.
Following the meeting, Gaga herself tweeted: “Thank you for this special day. Science tells us kindness improves health, let’s take care of the body of our nation.”
Earlier this month, the star gave a moving speech during a vigil for the victims of the Orlando gun massacre.
At least 49 people were killed and 53 were injured in the shooting at the Pulse gay club.
