HK Arts Centre cancels Denise Ho's concert citing public endangerment, Ho and Goomusic clap back on social

Hong Kong singer Denise Ho has been forced to cancel her live concert after the Hong Kong Arts Centre (HKAC) recently terminated her reservation agreement less than two weeks before the event. HKAC told Ho's company, Goomusic, in a letter that the contract was terminated based on clause 22(c) of its terms and conditions of hire concerning the endangerment of public order and safety.

Reuters reported that the cancellation came shortly after Ho was accused by pro-Beijing newspapers of collaborating with foreign powers "to undermine China and the former British colony". Reuters added that Ho is a vocal supporter of the anti-government in 2019 and is banned in China.

According to a Facebook post by Goomusic, clause 22(c) states that if the hirer fails to observe or perform any of the provisions of these terms and conditions or in circumstances where public order or public safety would be endangered during the course of the performance, the manager may, without notice, cancel the confirmed booking and terminate the hiring of the hired venue. The post added: "The management of the Arts Centre is duty-bound to observe closely the recent developments in society and the laws concerned."

https://www.facebook.com/goomusiclimited/posts/3783804681721687

While HKAC refunded the rental fee of HK$127,800, Goomusic said the centre did not provide additional information as to why the concert was cancelled. Goomusic also "strongly objected and disagreed with" HKAC's decision in the Facebook post. After scrutinising the content of the event and published materials, Goomusic said the concert was definitely not endangering public order and safety, and did not go against any laws. It added that the stage is "limitless" and the livestreaming of the concert will proceed on 12 September at 8pm. 

HKAC touts itself to be Hong Kong's only independent non-profit multi-arts institution that is dedicated to building the local art ecosystem as well as facilitating cultural exchange between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, its website said.

Meanwhile, Ho wrote on her Facebook that when a city is unable to tolerate a music concert, as a singer, she needs to sing even "bolder and louder." Meanwhile, on her Twitter, Ho stated that she and her team had thoroughly examined released materials and show contents, but "could not see where or how this performance or hiring has the possibility to endanger, or will endanger, public order or safety at all".

Ho previously had a free concert cancelled in 2016 too when former sponsor Lancôme cancelled a concert that Ho was supposed to perform at. Lancôme copped flak shortly after and was accused by netizens of self-censorship. They also called for consumers to boycott the French beauty brand.

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