By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
After Fake Putin Call, Elton John Again Speaks Out for LGBT Russians
After Fake Putin Call, Elton John Again Speaks Out for LGBT Russians
Pranks are funny, but homophobia never is, the singer stresses.
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.
