Taylor Swift Singapore exclusive deal criticised by Philippines official

nme.com:

Taylor Swift over their exclusive deal that makes the island country her only ‘Eras‘ tour stop in Southeast Asia.Last month, Thailand’s prime minister claimed that Singapore reportedly agreed on a deal with the pop star that means she “can’t perform in any other countries in Southeast Asia”.Srettha Thavisin has said that promoter AEG informed him of an agreement that means Swift will not perform any other dates of her ‘Eras‘ tour in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which comprises 10 countries, according to Sky News.Swift is set to perform six shows at Singapore’s National Stadium from March 2-9, the only Southeast Asian location on the Asia leg of her tour.Now, Philippines representative Joey Salceda asked the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to formally protest against the grant (per The Straits Times). “[This] isn’t what good neighbours do.

Our countries are good friends. That’s why actions like that hurt,” he said.Salceda’s critiscim of Singapore’s deal with Swift follows Thailand’s complains after enquiring why the tour would not be stopping in their country.Thavisin, Thailand’s prime minister, who was speaking at the iBusiness Forum 2024 in Bangkok, claimed that he was told the Singapore government offered between $2million to $3million (£1.6million to £2.4million) per show in exchange for exclusivity.“The Singapore government is astute,” Srettha said, adding: “If she came to Thailand, it would have been cheaper to organise it here, and I believe she would be able to attract more sponsors and tourists to Thailand.