Madonna Sued for Pro-Gay Antics in Russia; Concert Troubles, Hated for 'Freedom' Support
Madonna's world tour performances in Russia are angering some conservatives who do not support the same views as the "Material Girl."
Most recently, the singer is being sued for millions of dollars by Russian activists who were unhappy about her pro-gay antics during a recent concert in St. Petersburg.
According to The Associated Press, they were "offended' by the Madonna's pro-gay sentiments and have filed a suit against the vocalist on Aug. 17. Yahoo! quoted the lawyer representing the complaints in the case, stating that they are asking Madonna, the organizer of her concert and its hall for "damages totaling 333 million rubles, or nearly $ 10.5 million."
The complaints are suing Madonna for stomping on an Orthodox cross during a Russia concert and then asking fans to raise their hands to show their pink wristbands given out to the audience in support of gays and lesbians, according to CBS News.
The network also noted that anti-gay feelings run deep in Russia - St. Petersburg passed a law in February making it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors. Using this as a basis, another complaint in the suit was that fans as young as 12 attended Madonna's concert on Aug. 9.
Another incident that sparked anger from Russians was Madonna's support of the band Pussy Riot. After band members were arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for a protest against Vladimir Putnim, during her concert, Madonna called for "all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment."
Madonna's world tour performances also caused her problems when in France. Her repeated use of a swatiska superimposed on the forehead of French political figure Marine Le Pen evoked a lawsuit from the National Front - accusing Madonna of insulting Le Pen "to gain publicity."