After Fake Putin Call, Elton John Again Speaks Out for LGBT Russians

In response to the news that a phone call from a man claiming to be Russian President Vladimir Putin was the work of pranksters, Elton John has issued another plea for an end to homophobia in Russia.

"Pranks are funny," John posted on Instagram today, next to a picture of two men, one whose face was bloody. "Homophobia, however, is never funny."

Over the weekend, while visiting Ukraine, John called for better treatment of LGBT people in that nation and in neighboring Russia. He met with Ukraine's president as well as other political leaders and business executives, and he expressed a desire to meet with the Russian president.

Then Tuesday, John said he'd received a call from Putin, but Russian officials denied the call had been made. Yesterday, two Russian comedians, Vladimir "Vovan" Krasnov and Alexei "Lexus" Stolyarov, said they'd made the call, with Krasnov posing as Putin and Stolyarov as his press secretary.

The singer, who has often denounced Russia's "gay propaganda" law along with the violence and harassment LGBT Russians face, said on Instagram that he loves Russia and would still like to meet with Putin.

Pranks are funny. Homophobia, however is never funny. I love Russia and my offer to talk to President Putin about LGBT rights still stands. I will always stand up for those that are being degraded and discriminated against. If this unfortunate incident has helped push this vital issue back into the spotlight, then I am happy to be pranked on this occasion. @ejaf @president_vladimir_putin #lgbt #lgbtrights #ShareTheLove

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Sep 17, 2015 at 3:10am PDT