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Madonna sued in Russia for gay rights protest

By | Published on Tuesday 21 August 2012

Madonna

Having already come under fire from some quarters in Russia for showing support for Pussy Riot at her recent show in Moscow, Madonna has ruffled more Russian feathers in relation to a show in St Petersburg earlier this month.

According RIA Novosti, the singer, the promoter of her show and the venue she performed at are all being sued by nine parties who say they were offended after the singer spoke out in support of improving gay rights in Russia. They also claim that she stamped on the Russian Orthodox cross during the show.

The accusers, only some of whom actually attended the concert, are seeking damages of 333 million rubles (£6.6 million). It has also been suggested that Madonna may have broken a controversial local law in St Petersburg, which came into affect in March, making it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors.

Before submitting the lawsuit, Daria Dedova, representing three groups behind the action – The Union Of Russian Citizens, The People’s Assembly and The New Great Russia Party – told RIA Novosti: “We demand that she pay for moral damage suffered by St Petersburg residents as a result of her actions during the show on 9 Aug. We must defend our right to normal cultural life without propaganda of values and views that contradict the Russian culture”.

Dedova added: “Lawyers believe that we have a chance of winning… especially given that our cause is right”.

Watch the offending speech here:



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