Pop star Ricky Martin, who sang at George W Bush's 2001 inauguration ball, has defended making an obscene gesture while singing about the US president.
At a recent concert in his native Puerto Rico, Martin stuck up his middle finger while singing the president's name in his song Asignatura Pendiente.
He said his stance on peace went beyond "any government and political agenda".
"As long as I have a voice on stage and off stage, I will always condemn war and those who promulgate it," he said.
Martin received cheers from fans after making the gesture at the San Juan stadium.
Like many other artists, Martin has been highly critical of the war in Iraq and President Bush.
Best known to international audiences for his smash hit Livin' la Vida Loca, Martin is a huge star in Puerto Rico.
With Charlotte Church, he led the celebrations on the opening concert of the Bush inauguration in January 2001.
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