Photos of the lavish party, with scantily clad guests, have appeared online and are being circulated with outrage by Russian state media. The media regulator is launching an investigation into suspected “LGBT propaganda”.
After a scandal involving a party featuring lots of bare skin, internationally known music stars Filip Kirkorov and Dima Bilan are under pressure in Moscow. Among other things, according to media reports on Thursday, the prominent singers will have to face consequences after photos and videos of the party organized at a club were published.
For days, state media have been reporting on the “decadent” party of rich show stars who danced, showed off and had fun half-naked at a time when Russian soldiers gave their lives in the war against Ukraine. According to the media, Kirkorov, the “king of the Russian pop scene”, is threatened with the Ministry of Culture stripping him of the title of “People's Artist”. The 56-year-old met with his lawyers, tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets reported. His spokesperson complains that his website is blocked.
Party on December 20th at the invitation of the blogger
The party itself took place on December 20 at the invitation of blogger Nastya Ivleyeva under the slogan “Almost naked” in a Moscow club. When photos of half-naked Russian show business guests appeared online, there was initially an outcry among ultra-conservative circles. Videos have emerged of masked frontline fighters who condemned the wartime celebration as offensive and called for an investigation.
Due to growing public outrage, Russian authorities finally got involved. The media regulator has launched an investigation on suspicion of “LGBT propaganda”. Russian authorities have classified the LGBT movement as extremist and are prosecuting activists there. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. A rapper was sentenced to 15 days in prison because photos and videos showed him naked with just a sock on his penis.
Those involved in the party have already publicly apologized for their appearance – some in videos. But this is apparently not enough. The club was closed. Several pop stars, such as singer Lolita Milyawskaja, complain about the virtual ban on performing. According to her, several events have been canceled since then – including her participation in the traditional New Year's show of Russian stars. (APA/dpa)