Before Rihanna‘s Saturday performance in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, she struck a pose in front of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex.
The pop star and photographers Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold staged the photo shoot. RiRi was conservatively dressed in a black hooded jumpsuit, but some of her poses were deemed “inappropriate.”
According UK Telegraph: “Authorities said they had taken action before the Barbadian singer entered the mosque itself, which is not off-limits to non-Muslims and has become a major tourist attraction in the United Arab Emirates capital.”
The photographers said nothing of the incident when they tweeted: “White mosque in Abu Dhabi one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. #rihanna #icon #beauty #photography #gomillionandleupold”.
In a statement posted on its website, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center said: “The singer entered on a private visit without introducing herself and without prior coordination with the administration.”
“She was asked to leave before entering the mosque after she posed in ways that do not match the sacred status” of the complex, the statement said.
Some fans defended the singer on Twitter.
“Thanks for your respect to our religion… you take your time to wear the traditional dress… And the pictures are beautiful not insulting,” read one comment.
“I’m Muslim… and do not find it disrespectful at all. Love you Rihanna,” read another.
See more of the photos below:
