Show withdraws spoof of Yuna’s live performance

PETALING JAYA: A parody video of Malaysian singer Yuna’s performance with Usher, which was widely criticised by the public, has been removed by Astro entertainment show MeleTOP.

“We would like to sincerely apologise to Yuna and Usher for our recent parody video, which was poor judgment on our part,” tweeted MeleTOP.

“Rest assured that this does not reflect our values and beliefs.”

MeleTOP also asked the public not to share the parody video.

The Malay-language entertainment show is hosted by comedian Nabil Ahmad and actress Neelofa.

The spoof aired on Tuesday featured comedian Shuk SYJ, who was in blackface make-up and acting as African-American R&B artiste Usher, extending his arms to supposedly hug comedian Jihan Muse who posed as Yuna. But she bows instead of accepting the hug.

The skit was to ridicule the live performance by Yuna and Usher when they performed their song Crush at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia last June.

After the performance, the pair hugged on stage, which sparked criticism from those who said that Yuna’s behaviour was unacceptable as a Muslim.

The Malaysian singer, who is based in the United States, took to social media to hit out at Astro for being disrespectful with its parody video featuring a comedian in blackface makeup.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Yuna expressed her outrage at the disrespect shown towards fellow singer Usher and her African American fans “... who by the way, make 50% of my audience who come to my show”.

She also said that the episode could cause Usher to think twice about performing in Malaysia if he ever saw it.