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Posted on Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 10:19 a.m.

Ann Arbor's Andrew W.K. claims he's been named U.S. cultural ambassador to Middle East

By Jenn McKee

AndrewWK_mug.jpg
Update: Andrew W.K.'s speaking invitation in Bahrain revoked

The Huffington Post reported what seemed like bizarre news on Saturday: that according to rock star and Ann Arbor native Andrew W.K.'s website, the U.S. Department of State named the musician "Cultural Ambassador to the Middle East." (The news seemed all the more dubious as W.K. wrote, "I feel very privileged and humbled by the chance to represent the United States of America and show the good people of Bahrain the power of positive partying." Hmm.)

This morning, the HuffPo story was updated, after an "unnamed communications staffer in the State Department told (the New York blog Brokelyn) that they had not heard of the singer's 'new post.' HuffPost is in the process of confirming." Brokelyn claims the whole thing is a hoax.

W.K., whose real name is Andrew Wilkes-Krier, also states on his website that he plans to arrive in the Middle East during the first week of December and visit elementary schools, the University of Bahrain, music venues and more.

Check out a September AnnArbor.com interview with Andrew W.K. here.

Comments

Basic Bob

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 8:16 p.m.

I hope we can get a council resolution to address this.

Skyjockey43

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.

To do that would require the expenditure of tens of thousands of dollars in consulting fees, establishment of a "W.K. steering committee", secret Emails between council members, and a complete disregard for the overwhelming public condemnation on the part of Ann Arbor residents. Therefore I'm sure City Council will get right on it

Craig Lounsbury

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.

why is this news? Other than to elicit questions about mental stability that you will likely delete? Does anybody believe the State Department actually named that guy "Cultural Ambassador to the Middle East." ?

Skyjockey43

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.

Live long and prosper Craig

J

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.

This is the most exciting news since an extra from The Five Year Engagement was spotted eating at Zingerman's.

Craig Lounsbury

Mon, Nov 26, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.

I might add that The United Federation of Planets recently named me Emperor of the Milky Way.