March 17, 2003 8:09

CHICK FACTOR

A furore is caused after singer Natalie Maines criticises her fellow Texan onstage in London...

American radio stations are reportedly boycotting country music stars THE DIXIE CHICKS even after lead singer NATALIE MAINES apologised for saying the band were "ashamed the President Of The UNITED STATES is from TEXAS".

While performing in London last week (March 10) at Shepherds Bush Empire, the Lubbock, Texas native is reported to have made these remarks.

In response to the furore, the singer then posted on the band's official website dixiechicks.com: "The group is
witnessing a huge anti-American sentiment as a result of the perceived rush to war.

"While war may remain a viable option, as a mother, I just want to see every possible alternative exhausted before children and American soldiers' lives are lost."

They added: "As a concerned American citizen, I apologise to President Bush because my remark was disrespectful.

"I feel that whoever holds that office should be treated with the utmost respect."

The Jam Country.com website today (March 17) reported that protestors backing President Bush stood outside Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana destroying Dixie Chicks CDs on Saturday night.