Ricky Martin defends obscene onstage gesture

Ricky Martin isn't apologizing for an obscene gesture directed toward President George W. Bush that the singer offered onstage during a recent concert in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

During the show, the 35-year-old Martin stuck up his middle finger as he sang a line from his song "Asignurata Pendiente," which includes the words "a photo with Bush." The gesture prompted cheers from thousands of fans in the stadium, according to press reports.

Martin, who performed at Bush's 2001 inauguration ball, defended the gesture through his spokesman and explained his change of feelings toward the Bush administration.

"My convictions of peace and life go beyond any government and political agenda and as long as I have a voice onstage and offstage, I will always condemn war and those who promulgate it," Martin said in a statement sent to The Associated Press.

Martin has been publicly critical in the past of the war in Iraq.

The singer is currently touring throughout Central America, backing his latest release, last year's "Ricky Martin: MTV Unplugged." Martin will bring his tour to the US for three California shows in April.

[Note: The following tour dates have been provided by artist and/or tour sources, who verify its accuracy as of the publication time of this story. Changes may occur before tickets go on sale. Check with official artist websites, ticketing sources and venues for late updates.]
 tour dates and tickets
April 2007
17 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
20 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
22 - San Diego, CA - ipayOne Center

 tour dates and tickets
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