All:
Handle it as you want, but know this is the limitations we have to play within. You can release a strong statement condemning what happened and in favour of LGBT rights, but the Chinese government will not take kindly to it. Unless Christina outright supports Taiwan or Tibet or the Dalai Lama in the same breath, it's unlikely they will fine her or ban her from future tours. Let's not antagonise any more than we have to unless you are okay with losing the Chinese market.
Per my discussion with Michael, I recommend keeping tighter reins on Christina over the next week, particularly as she heads to Taiwan for her last show in the region. Christina's father is Taiwanese, isn't he? The last thing we want to do is send a message back to China that we are criticising them in favour of Taiwan, or that Christina is in favour of independence by taking pride in being Taiwanese. Especially ensure that she does not wear anything with a sunflower. I will refer you to Katy Perry's incident last year. She is no longer welcome in China as a result. Christina, being of partial Taiwanese descent, will probably face further scrutiny.
Now, there are plenty of examples of musicians who have chosen not to follow China's censorship laws and have not suffered greatly due to it. As long as we move strategically once Christina is out of China, I don't think we will have much to worry about.
RM
Thank you for your guidance, Richard. Christina's terribly shaken up over everything. Is there any way for us to find out what happened to the fans who were taken away? Can we pay for any medical bills if they were seriously injured?
Michael, let me know if you disagree, but I don't think we're ready to give up the China market yet. Christina is too new for that kind of risk. Katy Perry and the others were able to do so because they had an established career already.
Elizabeth, can you draft a statement for Christina to put on Instagram? Make it vague enough to demonstrate support for her fans and the LGBTQ community without being outright about it. Make it paletable enough that she'll agree without concern. As long as she feels that she's conveyed some kind of stand, she won't insist on being defiant. I'll explain to her the business reasons for it.
You don't have to worry about Christina showing any sort of Taiwanese pride. She doesn't want anything to do with her father. Just manage the other things.
- Gem
I will do my best and follow up, but we are unlikely to find more information.
Do not release a statement until after Christina is in Manila.
RM
Gemma--
See attached for last week's analysis on sentiment, reach, and engagement.
Wanted to bring to your attention page 4. Someone's tweeting some threats, but seems to be a dummy account. We'll continue to monitor.
Sent from my iPhone
Don't bring this to Christina. She'll stress over it unnecessarily.
Wouldn't waste your time on that anyway. Looks like a bored troll account.
- Gem