WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange skyped in to open M.I.A. show in NYC
Photo via @SimonDabkowski
Apparently the opening act for tonight's much-anticipated M.I.A. show in New York city (which is still raging as I type) was WikiLeaks founder and international fugitive Julian Assange--who skyped in from his legal limbo in London's Ecuadorian Embassy. As ballsy moves go, this one has more bollocks than most. In fact it kind of has it all; several levels of disruptive technology; a rebel political stance, international intrigue, a big old middle finger to the U.S. government (not to mention Sweden, where Assange is wanted on sexual assault charges). It should not, however, be considered a totally surprising move. M.I.A. has previously made plain her support for Assange, contributing music to his TV show The World Of Tomorrow--even naming her damn mixtape Vicki Leekx. It was certainly unannounced though, and reports about Assange's virtual appearance are just filtering out via twitter and blogs, so we''l have to wait for updates with more on what the controversial proponent of digital free speech at all costs actually had to say. But one thing is for sure. M.I.A. couldn't really ask for more news cycle to promote her new Matangi LP (a bangin' return to form, from what I can hear) than a cosign from Donatella Versace and a dis from the NFL. But she just got it. However you feel about Assange, the only proper response here is: well played, Maya. Well played.
