Lady Gaga pre-Tel Aviv concert ‘Shalom’ video angers Arab fans

Marcy Oster

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Lady Gaga issued a short video in advance of her performance in Tel Aviv, greeting her fans with “Shalom.”

“Shalom, Israel,” the American pop star said in the 10-second video. “I’m so excited to perform my new tour in Tel Aviv.”

The performer’s manager announced Sunday that the Sept. 13 concert would go on as planned, despite cancellations by other high-profile performers due to the Gaza conflict and its aftermath.

The video, which reportedly has gone viral online elicited angry responses from some of her Arab fans, Al Arabiya News reported.

Fans in social media platforms called her “disgusting,” “devilish” and insensitive, in response to the video.

The date for the concert in Yarkon Park, part of her “artRave: The ARTPOP Ball” international tour, is listed on Lady Gaga’s official website.

Tickets remain on sale and tens of thousands of Israeli fans are expected to attend.

Neil Young, The Backstreet Boys, America and Lana Del Rey are among the stars who canceled performances this summer due to Israel’s conflict with Gaza.

Lady Gaga performed in Tel Aviv in August 2009, despite of attempts by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to have her cancel.

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