MOSCOW | A party organized by Russian celebrities at a Moscow club for “almost naked” invitees sparked outrage in Russia, where conservative tightening of the screw has increased since the offensive in Ukraine began.
The scandal was sparked by the appearance of Russian entertainment figures in lingerie or provocative costumes on social media this week, leading to the arrest of a rapper, calls for a boycott and the launch of a criminal investigation.
In light of these reactions, event organizer Anastassia Ivleïeva released a tearful apology video in a Russian society increasingly tense due to the conflict in Ukraine.
“I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance… If the answer is no, I am ready for my public execution,” she said Wednesday.
More than 20 people have filed a class action lawsuit against her, demanding that she pay one billion rubles (around 10 million euros) to an organization supporting the offensive in Ukraine.
His apologies did not appease TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov, an influential pro-Kremlin propagandist. “You want a second chance? Bring heaters and drones to our men (in Ukraine),” he replied on Telegram.
He had previously described the guests at this party in the popular Mutabor club as “trash”. “You have no idea how much hatred people have for you,” he shouted to them.
Rapper Vasio – who came to the party wearing only a sock to cover his nudity – was sentenced to 15 days in prison for “homosexual propaganda” and “hooliganism”, according to the TASS news agency.
Until then, the cultural elite had largely been spared from the conservative turn in Russia, which was further reinforced by the conflict in Ukraine.
Pop star Philipp Kirkorov also asked for forgiveness after pictures emerged showing him in lace. “In these difficult and heroic times, an artist of my caliber cannot and should not be so irresponsible,” he said on camera.
Ksenia Sobchak, media figure and daughter of Vladimir Putin's mentor, who appeared in a beige dress with a barbed wire pattern, admitted on social networks that it was “inappropriate to show photos of the party to the whole world.”
Singer Dima Bilan also said he understands “the resentment of our people, especially the men who defend us at the front.”
The Kremlin declined to comment. “Life teaches us painful lessons,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
“These people need to recognize the depth of the problem and improve. For their own good,” she warned.