Moscow, Russia – A famous party was recently organized in Russia that sparked outrage after videos of celebrities wearing little clothing surfaced online.
The Controversial Party
The party was described as “almost naked,” and it was also attended by a rapper who arrived at the event wearing only a sock to cover his modesty, who has now been sentenced to 15 days in jail.
Nikolai Vasiliev, also known as Vasiu, was jailed and fined for promoting “unconventional sexual relations.”
The Spread of Videos and Criticism
Footage of the party spread across Russian social media, provoking strong reactions in the country, especially among pro-war commentators and nationalist officials, and even left a negative impression on President Vladimir Putin.
A video of Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, being informed about the party by one of the attending celebrities was circulated online.
According to the Baza site, a news platform known for its ties to security service officials, combat troops in Ukraine were among those who expressed their discontent after watching the video.
Peskov refrained from publicly commenting on the escalating scandal when asked about it by reporters on Wednesday (December 28).
He said, “Let’s be the only two in the country who do not discuss this topic.”
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on the event, saying it “tainted” those who attended.
However, the criticism also highlighted an opportunity for attendees to reflect and work on themselves, according to Ura.ru.
Celebrity Apologies
After rapper Vasiu was sentenced to 15 days in jail for “promoting homosexuality,” many of the celebrities who attended the party issued public apologies.
The King of Russian pop, Philip Kirkorov, pleaded for forgiveness on Tuesday (December 26).
He said, “There are moments in everyone’s life when you walk through the wrong door.”
He added, “In these challenging times, heroic times, an artist of my stature, a People’s Artist, cannot be irresponsible by participating in various events.”
Ksenia Sobchak, rumored to be considered Putin’s spiritual daughter, acknowledged that being part of such an event and sharing photos online was not the right thing at a time when Russian soldiers are struggling in Ukraine.
She said, “If anyone has been offended by my appearance, I apologize for that. I do not want to cause hatred and anger towards myself and other artists because of this stupid incident.”
Russian artist Dima Bilan, who participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, stated he “could not know in advance what other guests would wear.”
The event organizer, Anastasia Ivleva, also released public apology videos.
In the second video, released on Wednesday (December 27), she expressed regret for her actions, saying she deserved the treatment she was receiving from people across the country but hoped that people would give her a second chance.
She said, “They say Russia knows how to forgive. If that’s the case, I would like to ask you, the people, for a second chance. If the answer is no, I am ready to serve a public sentence. I will not evade. I am ready for any outcome.”
Ivleva drew attention after wearing jewelry worth 23 million rubles ($251,000) at a time when Russians are struggling to make ends meet.
Outrage from Pro-War Russians in Ukraine
The controversy angered Russians supportive of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ekaterina Mezulina, director of the Association of Safe Internet in Russia, an organization established with the support of authorities, stated, “Holding such events at a time when our men are dying in the special military operation (in Ukraine) and many children are losing their parents is cynical.”
According to Reuters, a woman who lost a limb in the war against Kiev posted on social media that the celebrities who attended the party should pay for prosthetic limbs for her relatives.
She said
The unknown woman: “That would be a better apology”.
Meanwhile, some consider the scandal part of Russia’s attempt to endorse “traditional values”.
Ukrainian producer Alexander Rodnyansky wrote on Instagram: “Moscow has become similar to Chechnya: public apologies from party participants trembling with fear, tax audits, and the possibility of criminal cases”.
(Using inputs from news agencies)
Leave a Reply