US pop star Maggie Lindemann was arrested midway through her Malaysian show on June 21 at The Bee in Publika because she did not have a permit to perform.

Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department director Hamidi Adam confirmed the authorities stopped the show midway.

“She violated the Immigration Act as she did not have a work visa and did not have a permit from the Central Agencies for Applications for Filming and Performances for Foreign Artistes to perform here,” Hamidi told The Malaysian Insight.

The show organiser was fined RM30,000, he said.

It is understood Lindemann was detained overnight at the Immigration office in Jalan Duta and released on bail the next day.

The 20-year-old singer-songwriter was on a tour of Asia and Malaysia was to be her first stop before Vietnam on June 22 and Singapore on June 26. The last two dates have been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” 

Lindemann, who scored a hit with her debut single Pretty Girl, posted a statement on Twitter about the arrest, in which she apologises to her fans in the three countries for not being able to complete her tour. 

She said she has been advised not to say more at this time and that she hopes to come back soon. – July 5, 2019.