The celebrities’ “almost naked party” has caused an outcry in Russia.
Now the concerts of artists loyal to the regime are cancelled, they are cut out of already recorded films and risk imprisonment.
– It is said that Russia can forgive. I am asking for a second chance, says party organizer Anastasija Ivlejeva.
Russian presenter and blogger Anastasia Ivlejeva – with 18 million followers on Instagram – organized an “almost naked” dress code party at a Moscow nightclub. On her bum, Ivlejeva wore a piece of jewelry worth the equivalent of two million Swedish kronor.
To the party came Russia’s biggest artists and TV personalities dressed in transparent dresses and overalls. Rapper Vacio arrived in sneakers and a stocking from Balenciaga – which only hid the gender.
The “naked party” outraged pro-Russian politicians, propagandists and religious organizations. Despite the fact that several of those artists openly support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have been loyal to the regime.
– I have always been loyal to Russia and only perform here. I don’t want this mistake to affect my career, says singer Filip Kirkorov (friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary) in a statement on Instagram.
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Rapper Vacio and journalist Ksenija Sobtjak, who is also said to be Putin’s goddaughter.
1 / 2Photo: Instagram
Forced to apologize
The artists apologized on social media but it seems to be too late. Their concerts are canceled and they are cut from already recorded films and entertainment programs that were to be shown on television on New Year’s Eve.
Critics of the party believe that it is disrespectful to organize such a party when Russian soldiers are fighting in the “military special operation”. A Russian court has judged that the party “spreads LGBTQ propaganda” – a month ago, the LGBTQ movement in Russia was labeled as extremist.
Worst affected is the organizer Anastasija Ivlejeva. Large Russian companies cancel cooperation with her. Authorities in Russia have begun an investigation into suspected ecocrimes. She risks up to five years in prison and is being sued for the equivalent of 110 million Swedish kronor.
– I have crossed the line and I deserve it. I know that Russia can forgive and therefore I am asking the people for a second chance, says Anastasija Ivlejeva, in a post on Instagram, crying.
In the comments, her followers write that in today’s Russia you can’t be yourself and that she is innocent.
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Host Anastasija Ivlejeva and artist Filip Kirkorov at the “naked party”.
1 / 2Photo: Instagram
Putin is behind it
It is Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration who are behind the persecution of the participants of the “naked party”, according to sources for the Russian independent news site The Moscow Times.
– This hate campaign against celebrities is so extensive that it is impossible to imagine that it would go without Putin’s approval. The FSB and the management of the major state television channels helped, a government official told The Moscow Times.