A school choir was told to stop singing carols at a show featuring a Jewish
ice skater because officials feared she would be offended.

The Rubidoux High School Madrigals in Riverside, California, broke off in
the middle of God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman at a rink where Sasha Cohen, a US
Olympic medal winner, was performing in front of fans.

Staci Della-Rocco, the director of the choir, said she complied with the
request by a city council employee and police officer to silence the
children because "I didn't want to have a big old huge scene in front of my
kids".


"This request was simply made by a staff member who was attempting to be
sensitive to the celebrity guest, without considering the wider
implications... or consulting with her supervisor for guidance," said
Belinda Graham, the city development director.

Cohen, 22, however, was "stunned" to learn the choir had been ordered to
stop singing on her account, her mother said.

The 2006 Olympic silver medallist is half-Christian and "celebrates
everything" at this time of year, said Galina Cohen.