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Almost Naked party

The Almost Naked party was a party held by Russian blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva in Moscow on 20–21 December 2023, attended by many Russian celebrities. The event sparked a public scandal after photos were published on the Russian Internet.[1] It was sharply criticized by pro-government propagandists and bloggers as being inappropriate while Russian soldiers are dying in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Those present at the party faced public censure.[1] Deputies, patriotic organizations, and war correspondents demanded that the party be investigated for LGBT propaganda, drugs, and extremism, and also called for a boycott of the people present at the event.[2][3][4][5]

Nastya Ivleeva's Almost Naked party
The building of the Mutabor club, located on the territory of GPZ-1, where the party took place
DateDecember 20–21, 2023 (2023-12-20 – 2023-12-21)
VenueMutabor [ru] club
LocationBuilding 32, 13 Sharikopodshipnikovskaya street [ru], Moscow, Russia
Participants

The Russian government considered the party a challenge to the state-promoted traditional values of Russian society.[6] Despite public apologies, musicians who attended were subsequently removed from New Year broadcasts, fined, and sentenced to arrest.[1][7] The Lefortovo Court of Moscow recognized the party as "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations." This is stated in the decision in the case of rapper Vacío [ru], who was arrested for 15 days for participating in the event.[8] The party participants issued a public apology.[9] Ivleeva, as the organizer of the party, was fined 100,000 rubles.[10]

The condemnation of the event was supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was notable as those who attended were mostly supportive of the Putin government and had previously avoided criticism.[11]

Background edit

According to publications by The Independent, The Guardian and The Washington Post, the party took place during the Russian leadership's efforts in recent years to strengthen conservative social policies in Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has actively supported social conservatism, calling for families to have more children and introducing strict sanctions against the LGBT movement. The scandal became one of the indicators of changes in Russian society, which reflect the strengthening of the conservative trend, the condemnation of liberal values, and growing nationalism in the context of the invasion of Ukraine. On 30 November 2023, the Supreme Court of Russia declared the LGBT movement extremist,[12] which complements the general context of strengthening conservative politics in Russia.[13][14][15]

Event edit

The event was a Christmas dress-up ball held at Moscow's Mutabor [ru] nightclub[15] on 20–21 December 2023.[16] The first night, 20 December, was exclusive for celebrities and invitation only, with tickets costing US$11,000.[17] More than 200 people attended the party.[10] Photos and videos from the party went viral on social media. Both the concept of the event and the costumes of the guests were criticized.[18]

Among the guests of the party were Ksenia Sobchak, Philipp Kirkorov, Dima Bilan, GeeGun, Alyona Vodonayeva [ru], Lolita Milyavskaya, Anna Asti, and Sasha Spilberg [ru]. Celebrities who were invited but did not attend included Timati, Feduk, Big Baby Tape, Nico Cartosio, Tina Kandelaki, Svetlana Bondarchuk [ru], Zivert, Moneyken [ru], Nyusha, Yana Rudkovskaya [ru], Nastasya Samburskaya, Kristina Si, Filipp Yankovsky, and Fyodor Smolov. In total, about 450 people were invited to the party.[19]

Vacío [ru] wore only training shoes and a sock on his penis.[20][21] Ivleeva claimed she wore 23 million roubles (about US$257,600) worth of diamonds and emeralds in her outfit.[22]

The second night (21 December) was open to the general public for 2,500 rubles (about US$28).[23] Partying continued into 22 December.

According to Ksenia Sobchak, Nikita Mikhalkov informed Vladimir Putin about the party.[24]

Condemnation of the event edit

We need to pay attention to the guys who are returning from the zone of a special military operation. When people decide to do this, when they go through this crucible and return, many life priorities are lined up differently. Here you will no longer jump without pants at any events, here people look at life completely differently, the priorities and values are different.

Vladimir Putin, 16 January 2024[25][26]

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, many "turbo-patriotic" bloggers were outraged by the event being held while Russian soldiers are dying in Ukraine. Those present at the party were accused of treason.[27][28] On 21 December 2023, some Russian pro-war Telegram channels, some members Russian military participating in the invasion of Ukraine, and the social movements Sorok Sorokov and Call of the People contacted the prosecutor's office with a demand to investigate the Moscow club Mutabor for LGBT propaganda because of Ivleeva's party.[29]

The party was condemned by United Russia deputy Maria Butina, propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, head of the Safe Internet League [ru] Ekaterina Mizulina, A Just Russia deputy Dmitry Gusev, and deputy chairman of the Synodal Department for Church-Society and Media Relations Vakhtang Kipshidze.[29] Vladimir Putin was reported to have been disappointed with the event,[14] to have demanded punishments[22] and to have approved of the condemnations.[11][22] The issue became a public scandal[30] and dominated news reporting in Russia for several days.[14]

Critics said the event was insulting to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine and that the event promoted LGBTQ+ values, illegal under Russian law. Soldiers in Ukraine were reported to have complained about the event.[14]

Response to criticism edit

Ivleeva, Kirkorov, Milyavskaya, Sobchak, and others apologised on social media.[20][22]

Ivleeva had initially responded to the criticism with mockery, but later released a two-part apology video.[21][14]

Kirkorov said he was only briefly in attendance.[21] Bilan stressed that he was conservatively dressed and not responsible for how others dressed.[20] Milyavskaya described the event as an "art project".[31]

Consequences edit

On 22 December 2023, as part of an ongoing investigation, police seized recordings from surveillance cameras at the Mutabor club.[32] On the same day, Vacio (Nikolai Vasiliev) was arrested for fifteen days for "disorderly conduct"[33][34] and fined 200,000 roubles for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations".[22][20][15][35][36][37] Vacio then received a military summons from the Russian authorities.[38]

Party attendants who were condemned, including Ksenia Sobchak, began to make public apologies, posting apology videos on their blogs and other Internet resources.[39] The practice of public apologies have become prevalent in Russia in 2015, when critics of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov were often forced to apologize to him on camera,[40][15] and has become increasingly common since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The concerts of some attending artists and their participation in the Little Blue Light were canceled, except for Kirkorov and Lolita, who were instead edited out of the program.[41][15] Kirkorov’s image was removed from the poster of the New Year's comedy Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Everything! The singer has also been boycotted on television.[42][43]

According to Meduza, Kirkorov, Milyavskaya, Glyukoza, Bilan, and Anna Asti were included in the list of 50 banned musicians compiled by the Russian authorities along with artists who did not support the war.[44]

During Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly, Ivleeva and Sobchak spoke out in support of the program voiced there. Ivleeva announced plans to vote for “initiatives and projects that have been announced.”[45] During the 2024 Russian presidential election, attendees publicly announced their votes.[46]

BBC News suggested that the criticism reflected a need for the Russian ruling class to generate scapegoats in the face of poor progress towards Russia's war aims in Ukraine. Opposition activist Maxim Katz was quoted: "For the first time in a long time, the system has pushed back against those who supported all its rules, as long as they weren't applied to them."[20] Pjotr Sauer writing in The Guardian described it as "one of the starkest examples to date of how Vladimir Putin is moving the country in a conservative and anti-liberal direction."[15]

Ivleeva edit

Faced with mass criticism, on 24 December, Ivleeva released a public apology for the event and promised to donate all the proceeds to charity.[16][47]

The telecommunications company MTS[14] and Tinkoff Bank broke their contracts with Ivleeva, and a class action lawsuit was filed against her for 1 billion rubles (with the money to go to Ukraine war veterans).[14] Information appeared in the press that an unscheduled tax audit by the Federal Taxation Service found an underpayment of 137 million rubles.[48][49][50][51] Ivleeva may face criminal prosecution for tax evasion on a particularly large scale.[52]

Ivleeva was fined 100,000 roubles.[53]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Суд отказался блокировать YouTube-канал Ивлеевой и штрафовать ее на 10 млн рублей из-за видео с нецензурной лексикой" [The court refused to block Ivleeva’s YouTube channel and fine her 10 million rubles because of a video with obscene language]. The Insider (in Russian). 2024-01-01. Archived from the original on 2024-01-02. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  2. ^ "Парад извинений. Ксения Собчак, Лолита Милявская и Филипп Киркоров публично каются за almost naked вечеринку в преддверии новогодних корпоративов и «голубых огоньков»" [Parade of apologies. Ksenia Sobchak, Lolita Milyavskaya and Philip Kirkorov publicly repent for an almost naked party on the eve of New Year's corporate parties and “blue lights”]. Novaya Gazeta (in Russian). 2023-12-26. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  3. ^ "'Almost naked' celebrity party triggers backlash in wartime Russia". Al Jazeera. 2023-12-29. Archived from the original on 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  4. ^ "«Устраивают вот это всё». «Голая» вечеринка Насти Ивлеевой разозлила z-блогеров и обернулась арестом одного из участников" [“They’re arranging all this.” Nastya Ivleeva’s “naked” party angered z-bloggers and resulted in the arrest of one of the participants]. BBC News Russian (in Russian). 2023-12-22. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  5. ^ Kirby, Paul (2023-12-29). "Russian influencer Ivleeva fined for hosting 'almost naked' party". BBC. Archived from the original on 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  6. ^ Walker, Mike (2024-01-03). ""Naked Party" Backlash Shows Double Standard in Attitude to Russian Hip-Hop". The Moscow Times. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-05-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ "Участники «голой вечеринки» потеряли из-за отмены более 280 млн рублей. Закрывать «огоньки» будут каверами и мертвыми — эксперты" [Participants in the “naked party” lost more than 280 million rubles due to cancellation. Covers and dead singers will cover the “fireworks”, say experts]. The Insider (in Russian). 2023-12-31. Archived from the original on 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  8. ^ "Суд признал «голую» вечеринку Ивлеевой пропагандой нетрадиционных отношений" [The court recognized Ivleeva’s “naked” party as propaganda of non-traditional relationships]. business-gazeta.ru (in Russian). 2023-12-27. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  9. ^ "«Психоз в стране». Почему «полуголая вечеринка» Ивлеевой вызвала острую реакцию турбо-патриотов?" ["Psychosis in the country." Why did Ivleeva’s “half-naked party” cause a sharp reaction from turbo-patriots?]. The Moscow Times (in Russian). 2024-05-17. Archived from the original on 2024-01-08. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  10. ^ a b "Суд оштрафовал Ивлееву на 100 тыс. рублей за организацию "голой вечеринки"" [The court fined Ivleeva 100 thousand rubles for organizing a “naked party”]. TASS (in Russian). 2023-12-29. Archived from the original on 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  11. ^ a b ‘Almost Naked’ Party in Moscow Angers Russian Conservatives. Outrage over scantily clad socialites highlights the growing contradictions of a society reshaped by the war in Ukraine. By Anatoly Kurmanaev, New York Times, Dec. 28, 2023
  12. ^ "Верховный суд признал ЛГБТ-движение экстремистским. Что это значит" [The Supreme Court declared the LGBT movement extremist. What does this mean?]. RBK Group (in Russian). 2022-12-31. Archived from the original on 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  13. ^ Sarkar, Alisha Rahaman (2023-12-28). "Russian rapper at 'almost naked party' jailed as part of Putin anti-gay crackdown". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2024-01-01. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Osborn, Andrew (2023-12-28). "Russian stars' semi-naked party sparks wartime backlash". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  15. ^ a b c d e f Sauer, Pjotr (2023-12-28). "Russian rapper jailed amid backlash over 'almost naked' party at Moscow nightclub". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  16. ^ a b "The apologists. Russian stars who attended the 'Almost Naked' party in Moscow last week are now attempting to outdo each other in asking the public for forgiveness".
  17. ^ "Russian party filled with semi-naked celebrities in eye of anti-LGBTQ storm". 23 December 2023.
  18. ^ "Вечеринку Насти Ивлеевой с «голым» дресс-кодом попросили проверить на гей-пропаганду" [Nastya Ivleeva’s party with a “naked” dress code was asked for to be investigated for gay propaganda]. pravilamag.ru (in Russian). 2023-12-21. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  19. ^ Uskov, Oleg (2023-12-28). "Стало известно, кто был приглашен, но не пришел на скандальную "голую" вечеринку" [It became known who was invited, but did not come to the scandalous “naked” party]. Rossiyskaya Gazeta (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Russian celebs at 'almost naked' party stung by backlash". BBC News. 27 December 2023.
  21. ^ a b c "A fine and fury after Russian stars attend semi-naked party".
  22. ^ a b c d e "Rapper jailed for wearing just a sock at 'almost naked' Club Mutabor party". 28 December 2023.
  23. ^ "Russian pop stars threw themselves an exclusive party with an 'almost naked' dress code. Here's what happened next".
  24. ^ "Ксения Собчак: на участников «почти голой» вечеринки Владимиру Путину донес Никита Михалков" [Ksenia Sobchak: Nikita Mikhalkov reported to Vladimir Putin about the participants of the “almost naked” party]. Meduza (in Russian). 2024-01-28. Archived from the original on 2024-01-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  25. ^ "Путин указал на разницу ценностей участников СВО и «прыгающих без штанов»" [Putin pointed out the difference in values between the participants of the special military operation and those “jumping without pants”]. BFM.ru - деловой портал (in Russian). 2024-01-16. Archived from the original on 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  26. ^ Golikov, Alexander (2024-03-03). "«Здесь уже не будешь прыгать без штанов»: Путин прокомментировал вечеринку Ивлеевой" [“Here you won’t jump without pants anymore”: Putin commented on Ivleeva’s party]. Afisha (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2024-01-17. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  27. ^ "Внучка Ислама Каримова назвала своё участие в вечеринке Ивлеевой ошибкой" [The granddaughter of Islam Karimov called her participation in the Ivleeva party a mistake]. Radio Azattyq (in Russian). 2023-12-28. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  28. ^ Ponomaryova, Alya (2023-12-22). ""Шабаш Ивлеевой и Собчак". "Патриотов" возмутила "голая вечеринка"" ["The Sabbath of Ivleeva and Sobchak." "Patriots" outraged by "naked party"]. Radio Svoboda (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-30. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  29. ^ a b "Парад извинений. Ксения Собчак, Лолита Милявская и Филипп Киркоров публично каются за almost naked вечеринку в преддверии новогодних корпоративов и «голубых огоньков»" [Parade of apologies. Ksenia Sobchak, Lolita Milyavskaya and Philipp Kirkorov publicly repent for an almost naked party on the eve of New Year's corporate parties and “blue lights”]. Novaya Gazeta (in Russian). 2023-12-26. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  30. ^ "An 'almost naked' party of Russian elites brings on jail time, a lawsuit and apologies". ABC News.
  31. ^ "'Almost Naked' Party Causes Uproar in Russia - Insider News". YouTube.
  32. ^ "Cиловики пришли с проверкой на второй день "голой" вечеринки Ивлеевой" [Security forces came to check on the second day of Ivleeva’s “naked” party]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  33. ^ "Russian rapper at 'almost naked party' jailed as part of Putin anti-gay crackdown". Independent.co.uk. 28 December 2023.
  34. ^ "Russia's 'almost naked' party: Rapper jailed for 15 days over risqué costume".
  35. ^ Hartog, Eva (January 8, 2023). "Putin's attack dogs target 'almost naked' pop stars in Russia's new culture war". Politico.
  36. ^ Voronezhsky, Maxim (2023-12-22). "Пришедший в одном носке рэпер извинился: «Осуждаю сторонников ЛГБТ*»" [The rapper, who came wearing only one sock, apologized: “I condemn LGBT* supporters”]. Gazeta.Ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  37. ^ "Суд арестовал рэпера Vasio на 15 суток за хулиганство на вечеринке Ивлеевой" [The court arrested rapper Vasio for 15 days for hooliganism at Ivleeva’s party]. RIA Novosti (in Russian). 2023-12-22. Archived from the original on 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-05-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  38. ^ "Jailed Russian Rapper Summoned To Recruitment Center". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 8 January 2024.
  39. ^ "Собчак извинилась после участия в «голой вечеринке»". RBK Group (in Russian). 2022-12-31. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  40. ^ "Russian Pop Stars Apologize On-Camera After 'Naked' Party Sparks Conservative Uproar". The Moscow Times. 2024-05-17. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  41. ^ Antilikatorov, Vadim (2023-12-28). "News.ru нашел, кому из звезд отменили концерты в конце 2023 года" [News.ru found which stars had their concerts canceled at the end of 2023]. Glavny regionalny (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  42. ^ "Не простили: Киркорову объявили полный бойкот на ТВ". Московский комсомолец. 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  43. ^ "Стали известны подробности полного бойкота Киркорова на ТВ: "Сцены будут переснимать"". Московский комсомолец. 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  44. ^ "«Медуза» публикует новый список «запрещенных российских музыкантов» Помимо участников «голой вечеринки», в нем появились те, кто вообще не высказывались о войне" [Meduza publishes a new list of “banned Russian musicians” In addition to the participants of the “naked party”, it includes those who did not speak out about the war at all]. Meduza (in Russian). 2024-02-08. Archived from the original on 2024-02-08. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  45. ^ Lepekhina, Evgeniya (2024-02-29). "«Фестиваль феерической щедрости». Что говорят в России о послании Путина парламенту" ["Festival of enchanting generosity." What they say in Russia about Putin's message to parliament]. RTVI (in Russian). Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  46. ^ "«Собчак заходит в электронную дверь». Участники «голой вечеринки» отчитались о голосовании на президентских выборах" [“Sobchak enters the electronic door.” Participants of the “naked party” reported on voting in the presidential election]. Meduza (in Russian). 2024-03-17. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  47. ^ "Ивлеева извинилась за «голую вечеринку»" [Ivleeva apologized for the “naked party”]. RBK Group (in Russian). 2022-12-31. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  48. ^ "Мизулина заявила, что Настю Ивлееву начала проверять налоговая служба". Meduza. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  49. ^ "Артистов отменяют. Налоговая проводит проверку. В суд подан иск на миллиард. Все извиняются Что произошло с участниками вечеринки Насти Ивлеевой (кажется, этот список еще будет пополняться)" [Artists are cancelled. The tax office is conducting an audit. A billion dollar lawsuit has been filed. Everyone apologizes. What happened to the participants of Nastya Ivleeva’s party (it seems that this list will continue to grow)]. Meduza (in Russian). 2023-12-27. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  50. ^ Polezhayeva, Marina (2023-12-27). "С Ивлеевой разорвали контракты МТС и Тинькофф, Лолиту убрали из всех шоу: итоги голой вечеринки" [MTS and Tinkoff broke their contracts with Ivleeva, Lolita was removed from all shows: results of the naked party]. WOMAN (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  51. ^ Uskov, Oleg (2023-12-27). "Mash: Анастасия Ивлеева должна налоговой 137 миллионов рублей" [Mash: Anastasia Ivleeva owes the tax authorities 137 million rubles]. Rossiyskaya gazeta (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  52. ^ Rodina, Olga (2023-12-27). "Обвинение Насти Ивлеевой в неуплате налогов после вечеринки: Проверка ФНС России, последние новости на 27 декабря 2023 года" [Accusation of Nastya Ivleeva for tax evasion after a party: Check by the Federal Tax Service of Russia, latest news as of December 27, 2023]. Komsomolskaya pravda (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  53. ^ "Суд оштрафовал Ивлееву на 100 тыс. рублей за организацию "голой вечеринки"". TACC. Retrieved 2023-12-29.
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