Selena Gomez denied Russian visa ‘over gay rights support’
By Josh Haggis
Russian officials have denied Selena Gomez a visa to perform in the country – reportedly because of her support for gay rights.
The US pop singer has been forced to cancel shows at St. Petersburg’s Ice Palace and Moscow’s Olimiisky Stadium that were due to take place later this month (September) after her request for a work visa was refused.
Concert organisers have said that Gomez’s strong record promoting gay rights is one of the reasons behind the decision, following Russia’s crackdown on performers who speak out against its anti-gay laws.
Talking to E!, US gay rights activist John Becker said in response to the news: “This cancellation of Selena Gomez’s visa shows that the Russian government is sensitive and on the defense, and shows that the pressure from people all around the world and the backlash against these laws is strong.”
“They’re afraid to have someone like Selena Gomez come in and potentially use her platform to advance LGBT rights,” he added.
Both Madonna and Lady Gaga caused controversy in Russia by speaking out against the country’s anti-gay laws during concerts there in 2012.