JJ Lin rips pants while imitating Michael Jackson on stage

First, he was attacked during an autograph session and now, Singaporean singer JJ Lin has made headlines again - this time for a rather embarrassing issue.

The award-winning singer was caught with a wardrobe malfunction when his snug leather pants ripped at his crotch area on stage, reported Chinese media.

Entertainment News QQ said the 33-year-old singer was dancing vigorously as Michael Jackson during Taipei New Year's Eve Countdown Party on Dec 31 when his pants ripped and exposed part of his inner thigh. The star was apparently unaware of the rip, added QQ.

Fans responded with cheeky comments to his "indecent exposure" while others argued that such wardrobe mishaps happen often when performers are on stage.

One netizen applauded his spirit on stage, saying that he must have been performing his best and didn't realise the split. Another netizen was unconvinced that the pants were ripped, she said it was probably part of the design.

The next day, on New Year's Day, he was attacked and allegedly punched on stage during an autograph signing session in Ximending, Taipei, reported Asian media.

Channel NewsAsia reported that his ear was left swollen and red after the incident. Focus Taiwan said the singer was sent to National Taiwan University Hospital by ambulance and was discharged a few hours later.

The assailant was described by various Chinese media as 32-year-old Chen Yen-heng. He is a little-known rapper, said China News Agency.

The Straits Times said Lin gave the police a statement, saying he was not familiar with him and did not know why he was assaulted.

He told police that he believed Chen carried out the act to gain attention in public.

Reports say the attacker has been released by the police.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg