This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News
Cher refuses Winter Olympics gig over Russia’s anti-gay laws
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 17 September 2013
Cher has said that she has refused the opportunity to perform at the upcoming Winter Olympics, due to host country Russia’s controversial anti-gay laws.
As previously reported, the country’s ‘gay propaganda’ laws make it illegal to ‘promote’ homosexuality to minors. Madonna and Lady Gaga are both accused of having contravened the laws when performing in Russia last year. It has also been said by one of the key writers and proponents of the law, Vitaly Milonov, that gay athletes and attendees of the Winter Games could face arrest if they are open about their sexuality.
In an interview with Macleans, Cher said: “I can’t name names but my friend called who is a big oligarch over there, and asked me if I’d like to be an ambassador for the [Winter] Olympics and open the show. I immediately said no. I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there. He said the Russian people don’t feel the way the government does”.