Iconic France-based British singer and actress Jane Birkin (pictured below) canceled her Shanghai concert scheduled for Saturday after the Chinese Embassy in Paris denied her visa, according to The Guardian.

The British newspaper cited a source saying the refusal was due to Birkin's "commitment to fighting human rights abuses," though the authorities "gave no explanation."

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, which was to have accompanied Birkin in the concert honoring French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, referred the Global Times to an official statement released Sunday.

The statement said the artist "could not participate in the event due to certain reason" and apologized.

The Global Times Chinese edition reported that the refusal was related to Birkin's participation in a protest calling for Tibet's independence during the 2008 Summer Olympics' torch relay in Paris.

On the same occasion, Birkin spoke to the media about China's "lack of freedom of speech."

In the same report, the Global Times also ran a picture of Birkin holding a bag adorned with a Tibetan flag. The pattern also shows the address of a pro-Tibet independence website.

The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra's statement says Jane Birkin "could not participate in the event due to certain reason." Photos: CFP and from the Internet

"Even if the Chinese government allows entry to a pro-Tibet independence artist, the Chinese people won't let this happen," the Global Times reported.

Social media comments eagerly applauded the embassy's gesture, many calling it a "great move" and a "slap in the face."

"Why not ban the Birkin bag too?" suggested one netizen, referring to a much-sought-after Hermès handbag named after the singer.

Many netizens vented anger at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and said it ought to be blamed for not having excluded a pro-Tibet independence artist in the first place. Some even suggested its license be revoked.

Zhang Siwei, a Shanghai music producer who has worked in the UK music industry, told the Global Times that he believes an artist should not be seen in the light of his or her political position.

"Though I believe art comes from the society and society needs politics, I think an artist's success or reputation predominantly comes from that person's talent and personal appeal, regardless of political orientation," Zhang said.

"Such censorship might have a limited impact on the local music performance industry, but it is discouraging for a diversified growth of art," he added.

Wang Yuanyue, veteran concert manager in Shanghai, said it is Birkin's right to criticize China, but said the Tibet question is "too complicated and chaotic."

He said he supports "certain political censorship" of artists. "An artist's political position can also be a threat to the organizing body," he added.

The Consulate General of the UK in Shanghai did not comment on Birkin's visa denial specifically but referred to the British government's Human Rights & Democracy report, which the consulate posted (with a translation of the report on China in 2015) on its Sina Weibo account in April.

The visa denial follows China's banning of Lady Gaga, who met with the Dalai Lama at the annual US Conference of Mayors last month.

Hong Kong-based newspaper the Apple Daily reported that Chinese authorities issued an "important instruction" banning the singer's music from distribution in the Chinese mainland.

In 2008, Icelandic singer Björk had her first and possibly last concert in Shanghai, which she closed with her song "Declare Independence" and chanted "Tibet" several times.

The Ministry of Culture said Björk's show "has not only broken Chinese laws and regulations and hurt the feelings of Chinese people" but also "went against the professional code of an artist."

The incident led the Chinese authorities to tighten control on foreign singers and other performers, according to the Reuters.

In 2009, English band Oasis was barred from performing in Beijing and Shanghai, reportedly due to lead guitarist Noel Gallagher's participation in a 1997 Tibetan Freedom concert in New York.

Last year, Bon Jovi's Shanghai and Beijing concerts were abruptly cancelled. The Financial Times reported that it was because a video backdrop at the band's 2010 Taiwan concert featured an image of the Dalai Lama.