N.E.R.D. Detained In Malaysia, Cancels Shows In Indonesia

N.E.R.D. canceled shows this weekend in Indonesia after they were detained in Malaysia. According to reports, N.E.R.D. had just performed at the Sunburst KL International festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, when they left for Indonesia to play another concert. Shortly after the festival, the group was held by police for failing to get a permit from Malaysia's government. The Muslim country has strict guidelines for performing.

In addition, The Jakarta Post reports that N.E.R.D.'s Malaysian promoter had requested a permit for the group to perform in Malaysia twice. Authorities reportedly rejected both requests, saying the way the group members dressed was obscene. "Following investigations, we found that the group did not receive permission from the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry to perform at the concert," Immigration Director-General Datuk Mahmood Adam told local media. "After their statements were recorded, they were released with assurance from the concert organizer." According to reports, the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur tried to persuade the group's members, Pharell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley, to continue to Jakarta. The Embassy tried assuring them the Indonesian authorities would not treat them like the Malaysian authorities did.

Still, N.E.R.D. insisted on leaving and flying back to the U.S.