An event at a prominent Moscow nightclub, Mutabor, which occurred shortly before Christmas, has sparked significant controversy, leading to public criticism and potential legal issues.
The party, characterized by its scantily clad guests, attracted well-known Russian figures such as celebrities, influencers, and socialites. Among them was a rapper who drew attention for his minimal attire.
However, the event was met with strong disapproval from Russia’s nationalist factions, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The incident received extensive coverage in Russian media and online, underscoring the influence of pro-war sentiments within Russian society.
Prominent figures supporting the war, including politicians, media personalities, and military bloggers, criticized the party attendees and organizers for what they saw as moral degradation during a time of national conflict.
Leading state television host and Kremlin supporter Vladimir Solovyov expressed his disdain on Telegram, questioning the moral compass of the party’s participants against the backdrop of the war.
The Russian government’s recent focus on traditional “family values” and opposition to Western concepts of freedom has been further reinforced by the Ukraine war. This conservative shift is increasingly apparent among Russian nationalists.
Yekaterina Mizulina, a Russian lawmaker and war supporter, voiced her disapproval on Telegram and called for a boycott of those involved with the event. She criticized the timing of the party as insensitive to the sacrifices made by Russian soldiers and their families.
A video circulated on pro-war Telegram channels purportedly shows Russian soldiers criticizing the party. However, the authenticity of the video and the identities of the individuals featured in it could not be confirmed.
The fallout from the party has led several celebrities who attended to issue public apologies, including journalist and socialite Ksenia Sobchak, who previously ran for president against Putin.
Some pro-war advocates have called for punitive measures against the attendees, suggesting the revocation of their public recognitions, media appearances, and commercial contracts.
Anastasia Ivleeva, a notable Russian influencer and the event’s organizer, has faced significant criticism and may face legal consequences. Despite initially advocating for peace at the start of the war, she has remained in Russia and largely silent. Ivleeva posted a tearful apology to her millions of Instagram followers, expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness.
Russian tax authorities, following lawmaker Mizulina’s lead, have initiated an investigation into Ivleeva, which could lead to criminal charges. State media also reports that Ivleeva is facing a lawsuit seeking substantial damages for the alleged moral harm caused by the event, with any compensation intended for a war fund. The existence of this lawsuit has not been independently verified.
Mizulina praised the swift response of Russian authorities to the incident, expressing confidence in the nation’s internal stability.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a fervent war supporter and Putin ally, condemned the party and questioned the genuineness of the apologies, suggesting military training in Chechnya as a means of proving sincerity.
Vasio, the rapper known for his minimal clothing at the party, was arrested and sentenced to 15 days for promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships,” a stance recently criminalized in Russia against the LGBTQ movement.
Maria Butina, a pro-Kremlin lawmaker, has initiated investigations into the party’s adherence to the new anti-LGBTQ law. She had previously been detained in the U.S. for illegal political activities.
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The Kremlin has not directly engaged with the controversy, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov avoiding the topic in a recent press briefing.
