Selena Gomez 'Stars Dance' Tour Russian Concerts Cancelled After Failing New Visa Rules Associated With Gay Rights
Pop singer Selena Gomez called off two concerts in Russia after falling to comply with new visa rules that some say may be used to keep out artists who promote gay rights.
The Slow Down singer cancelled the performances in St. Petersburg and Moscow scheduled for next week after it became clear she would not be able to secure a visa in time, concert organizers said.
They blamed the delay on new rules in the country that they believe were passed based on official concern over two previous concerts in Russia where Madonna and Lady Gaga defended gay rights, and a stage set in the neighboring country of Ukraine where the lead singer of the U.S. group Bloodhound Gang stuffed a Russian flag down his pants.
"The situation is a result of the scandals over the Madonna, Lady Gaga and Bloodhound Gang concerts, after which the Russian authorities changed procedures for issuing visas to foreign musical and artistic groups," said the promoters, the Russian Entertainment Academy, according to Reuters.
Gomez has not taken a public stance on gay rights. A representative for the 21-year-old confirmed the Russia concerts were canceled.
In 2012, Russian activists sued Madonna for millions of dollars following her pro-gay antics during a concert in St. Petersburg. Madonna stomped on an Orthodox cross during the Russia concert and then asked audience members to raise their hands to show their pink wristbands given out to concertgoers in support of gays and lesbians, according to CBS News.
Anti-gay feelings run deep in Russia - the country passed a law in June 2013 banning gay "propoganda," making it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors. The law imposes significant fines of up to $31,000 for providing information about the LGBT community to minors, holding gay pride events, speaking in defense of gay rights, or holding gay and heterosexual relationships as equals. It passed with 436 votes in Russia's 450-seat lower house, the Duma.
President Vladimir Putin, who started his six-year term in May 2012, denies that there is discrimination against gays in his country but has criticized them for failing to increase Russia's population since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
