Frivolous celebration in Moscow
Russian show stars face consequences for nude party
December 28, 2023, 8:22 p.m
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At the end of December, Russian show business celebrities celebrate a frivolous party in a Moscow nightclub. But published recordings of the party call the authorities into action. The participants now face professional consequences.
After a scandal surrounding a party with a lot of naked skin, the internationally known music stars Filipp Kirkorov and Dima Bilan have come under pressure in Moscow. Among other things, according to media reports, the prominent singers have to face consequences after photos and videos of the raunchy party organized in a club were published.
For days, state media have been reporting on the “decadent” party of rich show stars who were dancing half-naked, showing off and having fun at a time when Russian soldiers were giving their lives in the war against Ukraine. Well-known propagandist Vladimir Solovyov called the party participants “beasts” and “scum.” They have “no idea how much the people hate you.”
According to the media, Kirkorov, the “king of the Russian pop scene”, is now threatened with the Ministry of Culture stripping him of his title of “People’s Artist”. The 56-year-old met with his lawyers, the tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets reported. His spokeswoman complains that his website is blocked.
15 days in prison for rapper
The party itself took place on December 20th at the invitation of blogger Nastya Ivleyeva under the motto “Almost naked” in a Moscow club. Moderator Xenija Sobchak, who ran against Kremlin leader Waldimir Putin in the 2018 presidential election, was also there.
When pictures of the half-naked guests of Russian show business appeared online, there was initially protest among ultra-conservative circles. Videos emerged of masked front-line fighters who condemned the wartime celebration as offensive and called for an investigation.
In addition, more than 20 Russian citizens filed a lawsuit against Ivleyeva. The value in dispute is one billion rubles, the equivalent of around ten million euros. According to the plaintiffs’ wishes, Ivleyeva is to donate this to an organization that supports the Russian attack on Ukraine. Because of increasing public outrage, the Russian authorities finally got involved.
The rapper Vacio has already been arrested and sentenced to 15 days in prison. The musician, who was seen in photos from the celebration with only a sock over his genitals, was accused of “homosexual propaganda” and “hooliganism,” according to the Tass news agency. His case therefore falls under a law banning “LGBTQ propaganda”, which was further tightened by the Supreme Court’s ban on the international LGBT movement at the end of November.
“Ready for my public execution”
Those involved in the party have now publicly apologized for their half-naked appearance. Organizer Ivleyeva tearfully begs for forgiveness in a video. She is asking for a “second chance,” Ivleyeva says, addressing the Russian people – and adds: “If the answer is ‘no’, I am ready for my public execution.”
But that’s obviously not enough. The club was closed. Several pop stars such as the singer Lolita Milyawskaja complain about a virtual ban on performing. According to her, several events have since been canceled – including her participation in the traditional New Year’s concert by Russian show stars.
The Kremlin did not comment on the footage from the party. Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry, said on state radio station Sputnik that life teaches “painful lessons.” Those attending the celebration must “understand the gravity of the problem and improve.”