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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: Popular rock singer, composer, songwriter and television host Faizal Tahir has apologised to viewers for his "shirtless Superman stunt" pulled during television station 8TV's 4th anniversary concert last Sunday.
Faizal, 29, said he truly regretted taking off his T-shirt with a Superman logo on it and revealing a bright red Superman logo painted on his chest while performing on stage at the station's anniversary party.
The party was held in Central Park Avenue, Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya from 8.30pm to 10.30pm that day. It was telecast live over 8TV.
Faizal, from Terengganu, said he was merely giving fans a fun-filled time to mark the television station's birthday and did not realise what he did was offensive.
"I am truly sorry for the gimmick. I did not realise it would be an insult to many.
"I did not intend to damage the reputation of 8TV, and sincerely apologise to them and all Malaysians."
Faizal said he had performed the gimmick in the past, stripping down to his vest, but nobody had complained.
"I have always made sure that I adhere to guidelines set by organisers of concerts and events where I perform.
"However, I now realise that taking off one's shirt is a big no," he said, adding that he got carried away during the live concert.
8TV chief executive officer Ahmad Izham Omar said the station was utterly shocked by Faizal's actions and had given him a stern warning.
In a statement conveyed by the station's group general manager for brand management, Airin Zainul, he said: "We are imposing a six-month probation period on Faizal during which he is required to perform community service projects that involve us."
Ahmad Izham said all necessary precautionary measures had been taken before the concert and all performing artistes had been briefed about proper behaviour on stage.
"We continue to adhere strictly to all guidelines of conduct for artistes and make sure they present a positive and healthy image."
Ahmad Izham said the station quickly minimised the close-up camera shots of Faizal within seconds of his act.
He said the station also apologised to viewers and gave an assurance that such incidents would not recur.
Faizal was the runner-up of 8TV reality talent show One In A Million's first season two years ago, and was the co-host of the regional talent search contest GangStarz last year.
Faizal has two songs in the running for the 22nd Anugerah Juara Lagu awards on Jan 27 namely Mahakarya Cinta and Kasih Tercipta.
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