Comedians Shuk SYJ (right) and Jihan Muse (left) played African-American singer Usher and Local singer Yuna respectively in the parody by Astro entertainment show MeleTOP. — Picture courtesy of Istagram/ Shuk SYJ

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 — Astro entertainment show MeleTOP has apologised for screening a parody of local singer Yuna’s performance with Usher featuring an actor in blackface playing the American R&B artist.

In the parody by the Malay-language show hosted by comedian Nabil Ahmad and TV presenter Neelofa aired Tuesday, comedian Shuk SYJ, who’s in blackface makeup acting as the African-American singer, extends his arms to comedian Jihan Muse playing Yuna as if he wants to hug her, but she bows down instead.

The show was a mockery of the live performance by Yuna and Usher on the song Crush at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, the United States, last June that sparked controversy after he hugged the Muslim pop singer.

“We would like to sincerely apologize to Yuna & Usher for our recent parody video, which was poor judgement on our part. #MeleTOP,” MeleTOP tweeted from its @MyMeleTOP Twitter account last night.

“Rest assured that this does not reflect our values and beliefs. #MeleTOP. We have removed the video and would like to request everyone not to share it. Tq for your cooperation. #MeleTOP,” it added.

We would like to sincerely apologize to Yuna & Usher for our recent parody video, which was poor judgement on our part. #MeleTOP — MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

Rest assured that this does not reflect our values and beliefs. #MeleTOP — MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

We have removed the video and would like to request everyone not to share it. Tq for your cooperation. #MeleTOP — MeleTOP (@MyMeleTOP) August 4, 2016

Other parties have been sharing the video of the parody on social media.

Blackface was a form of entertainment that started in the mid-19th century in which white men painted their faces black to play African-American characters. The performances made fun of black people by playing on racial stereotypes and downplayed slavery. Blackface is considered offensive.

Yuna and Usher trended on Twitter in Malaysia last night, with users criticising the MeleTOP parody.

“u might just destroyed Yuna’s career bagus malaysia bagus #malaysiaboleh,” Twitter user @aimaniskndr tweeted upon retweeting MeleTOP’s apology.

Twitter user @amirulhisham97 tweeted: “Attitude Malaysian people are so ridiculous.. It’s a matter of respecting other races.. That’s why Yuna angry about the parody”.

Some also censured MeleTOP, with Twitter user @_iqah tweeting: “Bodoh la @MyMeleTOP ... shame on yall for doing such a stupid parody on Yuna n for doing “ black face “.

Others, however, attacked Yuna too.

“Yuna so full of herself, if it’s not for these lowly melayu uitm yang pergi gig kau you wouldn’t be where you are right now,” tweeted Twitter user @gmxn_.