A Kylie Minogue tribute act has been left disappointed – and out of pocket – after one complaint about her “inappropriate” costume led to a show being cancelled.
Jade Chamberlain, from Lydd on Romney Marsh, has been paying homage to the Australian popstar for 10 years through her show Kylie on Show, touring all over the UK.
The original poster for the show with Jade Chamberlain in the jumpsuit that caused the complaint. Picture: MD Events
The singer was due to perform at an event titled ‘80s on Show’ next month alongside other tribute acts at Newick Village Hall in the Lewes district of East Sussex. It was organised by MD Events in partnership with Newick Bonfire Society.
Ms Chamberlain, 36, featured on a poster for the event, wearing a replica costume to the one Ms Minogue wore in the video for hit single Can’t Get You Out of My Head.
But the posters prompted an anonymous complaint from one person who deemed it “indecent and inappropriate”.
The revised show poster with singer Jade Chamberlain looking more covered up. Picture: MD Events
As such, Ms Chamberlain says Newick Bonfire Society pulled the promotional material and blocked any future promotion for the event, and ticket sales withered.
Ms Chamberlain, who grew up in Ashford and Lenham and attended Swadelands School, said: “One complaint led to the promotional advert being blocked, and unfortunately we were not made aware of that for four weeks.
“By the time we found out, ticket sales had already been badly affected, which ultimately meant the event couldn’t go ahead.
“This is my full-time career and my livelihood. To suggest that my authentic costume is inappropriate is unfair and damaging.
Jade Chamberlain, from Lydd, performs all over the UK. Picture: Jade Chamberlain – Kylie On Show
“My Kylie tribute is authentic, professional, and family-friendly. I would never use an image that was genuinely unsuitable.
“The real issue here isn’t just about a costume – it’s about the knock-on effect of losing valuable advertising time and how that one complaint had serious financial consequences, not only for me but for the organiser and other performers too.”
The show, also featuring a Madonna tribute act, was due to take place on September 27.
The original poster was first published in March, but Sussex-based organisers MD Events noticed over time that ticket sales were struggling.
Attempts to promote the show locally on Facebook were either not authorised or left unpublished.
Jade Chamberlain has been a a Kylie Minogue tribute singer for 10 years. Picture: Jade Chamberlain – Kylie On Show
Matt DeLand, from MD Events, discovered the block on July 1, learned about the complaint and that the co-organisers of the show, Newick Bonfire Society, had agreed with it.
MD Events tried to salvage the situation with a revised poster image of Ms Chamberlain more covered up.
But with so much time lost decided the only solution was to cancel the show to give the artists time to find new bookings.
Ms Chamberlain lost £500 from the show being cancelled.
She told KentOnline: “It’s not just me who has lost out. The other performers and the organisers have too, as we’re all self-employed and rely on these events for our income.
“It’s frustrating that one action has had such a wide impact. My outfits always reflect Kylie’s iconic style: glamorous, fun, and in keeping with the tribute.
“I’ve performed at hundreds of venues and events across the UK and never had an issue before. Most people book me because they want that authentic Kylie experience.
“I’ve been really touched by the support I’ve received from audiences and venues.
“In many ways it’s turned into something positive, because it’s opened up a conversation about how performers can sometimes be judged for simply doing their job authentically.”
Mr DeLand said: “I’ve worked with countless councils, societies and venues, and I’ve never had an image blocked before.
“These are iconic tribute costumes, nothing indecent. The fact no one told me until July that the promo wasn’t being approved has been devastating.
“I’ve already invested in advertising, the venue stands to lose out, and the performers stand to lose their fees.
“The live music industry is already struggling — we don’t need setbacks like this.”
Newick Bonfire Society was asked to comment by KentOnline but declined.