China sees red as Lady Gaga meets the Dalai Lama

U.S. singer Lady Gaga invited the ire of the Chinese after her meeting with the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people considered a separatist by China.

“Lady Gaga cannot continue growing in China,” said Zui Weisha, one of the many Chinese netizens criticizing the meeting.

Lady Gaga interviewed the spiritual leader on Sunday on mental health, meditation and the power of kindness, according to a video posted by the singer online.

China dubs the Dalai Lama a “wolf in monk’s robes” while the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner says he is only seeking greater autonomy for Tibetans and not independence.

“Those who work in the world of music, please refrain from participating in politics. Gaga is provoking conflicts,” said Weibo user Quan Zhixian.

The controversy reached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, prompting ministry spokesperson Hong Lei to hold a press conference urging the international community to understand the true nature of the Dalai Lama’s foreign trips.

On Monday, a Hong Kongbased daily reported that the agency responsible for propaganda in China had sent an order to websites and the media to stop uploading or distributing Lady Gaga’s songs.

The Chinese spokesperson refused to confirm or deny the report but said the comments on the internet showed how upset and angry the Chinese people were.

Although Lady Gaga’s albums continue to be available in the country, it is unclear if the singer will be allowed to hold any concert in China in the future.

American pop rock band Maroon 5 was forced to cancel its show in Beijing last year after one of its members tweeted birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama.