It is reported that singer, actress, icon, and legend Madonna is being sued for $10.5 million (£6.6 million) by the Russian Anti-Gay groups because of her support of the band group Pussy Riot during her MDNA concert on August 9th.During the concert, Madonna reaffirmed her support for gay rights:
“here to say that the gay community and gay people here and all around the world have the same rights to be treated with dignity, with respect, with tolerance, with compassion, with love,”
During the concert Madonna handed out anti-homophobia wristbands and during a performance of “Express Yourself” exposed her back with the band’s name in support. Madonna also held up rainbow colored signs in show that said “NO FEAR”.
The oppressors are claiming that Madonna’s recent performace supporting punk rock group Pussy Riot after their arrest protesting the Russian Government’s anti-gay rights stance siting her performance was “moral damage suffered by St. Petersburg residents”. A legal represnetative for the anti-gay groups suing said the performance was “psychological stress and emotional shock” as well as a“promotion of homosexuality.” Madonna is also being accused of disfiguring an Orthodox Cross.
Pussy Riot were arrested in March after their charged performance of “punk party”, a song that opposed Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the government’s extreme conservative views on gay rights.The three bandmembers were sentenced yesterday to two years in prison labeled as “hooliganism” Both Pussy Riot and Madonna have been staunch supporters of LGBT rights and equality.
Earler today. Madonna released a statement encouraging activist and advocates alike that the conviction of the band Pusssy Riot is unjust and encourages others to speak out:
“I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions. Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane. I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They’ve spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free.”
As of the time of this article, there’s been no official comment from Madonna or her representatives on this ridiculous lawsuit.