Hong Kong Protestor Claims Kenny G Was Supportive During Visit
While people in the USA may not hold Kenny G in high regard as a musician, the Chinese adore his … um, work.
So, when the sax player expressed support for the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong during recent visit, the protesters were overjoyed. Mainland officials, however, were less than pleased and has some stern words about the popular figure siding with Occupy Central.
The Occupy protestor, who did not want to be named, told South China Morning Post, “It’s a bit disappointing. Kenny G has in effect said that what he told the protesters was not what he meant. He said, ‘As an American we take democracy for granted… You guys hang in there. Hope you guys will win eventually.’”
Kenny G’s buddy, Jackie Chan, would not approve.*
The witness, one of several fans who spoke with the star, said that while he understood that Kenny G may not fully appreciate the Occupy situation, “Judging from what he told protesters, I would hardly interpret it as him not supporting them. I appreciate he might be under pressure from his agent, but he is a popular and widely-respected musician. His response and the way he handles this is disappointing.” He also added, “I guess it’s beyond the imagination of all people that such a trivial thing would end up becoming an international issue, that even the Chinese foreign ministry would give comments.”
More: Protestor Claims Kenny G Was Supportive During Visit to Occupy Zone: Shanghaiist
Nothing like standing firm for one’s principles, Kenny.