Kenny G Visits Hong Kong Protests, Angers Chinese Government

Smooth jazz superstar Kenny G has come under fire by the Chinese government for his involvement in Hong Kong’s ongoing Occupy Central pro-democracy movement. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the 56-year-old saxophonist made an appearance at the city’s main protest site, posing for photos with fans and sending out a tweet wishing for a peaceful resolution to the protests, which upset the Chinese government.

“Kenny G’s musical works are widely popular in China,” said Hua Chunying, China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, “but China’s position on the illegal Occupy Central activities in Hong Kong is very clear. We hope that foreign governments and individuals speak and act cautiously and not support the Occupy Central and other illegal activities in any form.”

For whatever reason, Kenny G is an immensely popular artist in China, in particular his song “Going Home” is often used in public spaces such as bars and shopping malls to signify closing time. Because of the ubiquity of “Going Home” in China, many pro-democracy protesters have been joking across social media that Kenny G’s appearance at Occupy Central means it is time for them to go home.

You can check out Kenny G’s tweet sent out from Hong Kong here:

in Hong Kong at the sight of the demonstration. I wish everyone a peaceful and positive conclusion to this situation pic.twitter.com/mEp5jIXLjj

— Kenny G (@officialkennyg) October 22, 2014

Here is Kenny G's "Coming Home," in case you were curious:

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