George Michael Responds to Critics of His Olympics Performance

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In shades, a leather jacket and a skull-shaped belt buckle, veteran pop star George Michael commanded the world's attention when he sang his hit song "Freedom 90" at Sunday's Olympics Closing Ceremony in London.

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But his follow-up -- the new single "White Light" -- has drawn media criticism for being a crass play at self-promotion. 

And to that, Michael says, "F— off."

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The singer took to his Twitter feed on Tuesday to answer his critics. In his first tweet, Michael wrote, "Morning everyone! Had a GREAT time at the closing! I hope you are not bothered by the press reports of my scandalous 'promotion' !!!"

A second dispatch then read, "Please join me in telling them to f--- off ! It was my one chance on tv to thank you all for your loyalty and prayers, and I took it. X"

He signed off with a third tweet: "And I don't regret it. Xxxx"

REVIEW: Closing Ceremony of the London Olympics

Michael's Olympics performance was his first since suffering a serious bout of pneumonia last year. "White Light," a single released in conjunction with Michael's 30th anniversary in the business, is about that near-death experience. 

The song has been met with mixed reaction from the music press. NME writes, " ‘White Light’ could do for George what ‘Believe’ did for Cher -- make him cool again for five minutes before relegating him to a life in Vegas."