It seems that musicians over the years have been unfairly pegged as activists, voices and so on for political progress. In the case of saxophone superstar Kenny G, posing with the Occupy Central protestors has landed him in some serious heat with the Chinese government and demonstrators alike.
While taking a stroll around China, the musician found himself among the protestors, stopping to pose for pictures, throwing up the peace sign and even pleading that the demonstrations end peacefully.
But when the government intervened, G rescinded his statements, saying that he was "not trying to defy government orders." Outraged, the Occupiers outed the musician, calling him a coward for caving to the pressure.
I was not trying to defy government orders with my last post. I was in Hong Kong as a stop on my way to perform at Mission Hills
— Kenny G (@officialkennyg) October 22, 2014
Mainland China is a major market for Kenny G and, as it's been noted, sales could suffer if the government were to take action.
Occupy Central is a pro-democracy group that is blockading the downtown business district in Hong Kong to press for open elections for the next chief executive in 2017. The demonstrations unfortunately haven't remained entirely peaceful.
Well, Mr. G, if you weren't in the know then you are now. The musician is set to perform at a golf tournament on Hainan Island and appears to be moving on from the controversy.
Please don't mistake my peace sign for any other sign them a sign for peace — Kenny G (@officialkennyg) October 22, 2014
