t.A.T.u’s management ‘saddened’ by reaction to singer’s homophobic rant
The management of Russian band t.A.T.u are “saddened” by the reaction to a homophobic rant from formerĀ singer Julia Volkova.
Volkova, who has previously identified as bisexual herself, said earlier this weekĀ that sheĀ āwould condemnā her son if he came out as gay, but that women should have the āfreedomā to be lesbians.
The band ā widely known for their āfaux-lesbianā image,Ā officially split in 2011, and had previously spoken out in favour of LGBT rights.
The band’s official accountĀ onĀ Russian social networkĀ VKontakte posted a statementĀ in response toĀ the rant.
It reads: “In the last few days we have been saddened by the internet reaction to rash statements from Julia Volkova.
“It’s especially sad to see the reaction from foreign fans, who jumped to conclusions, reading translated sound-bytes of Julia’s words taken out of context.
“We won’t say anything for Julia, but we would like to apologize to everyone who took her words personally and close to heart.
“As a part of t.A.T.u, Julia showed her support of the LGBT community more than once: during the early 2000s, girls and boys alike were kissing on stage next to them.
“Like any public person, Julia will find thousands of people who will judge her. If you are disappointed in her and in t.A.T.u – well, everyone has a right to hold a grudge.
“Everyone has an opinion and for every one of us there is a judge. Julia will have to answer for her words, whether she likes it or not.
“We hope you stay with us.”
The band’s former singer Lena Katina condemned Volkova last week, saying: “I can say one thing: God is teaching us to live in love, to be tolerant and not to judge other people! And I do so!
“Love is love and it is a wonderful feeling! I think everybody should be free to love who they love and be with who they want to spend their life with! Xoxo”
If made today, the duoās 2002 music video for āAll The Things She Saidā, whichĀ showedĀ the two singers dressed as schoolgirls kissing in the rain, might see them facing arrest under the countryās āgay propagandaā law.
Watch the famous music video for āAll The Things She Saidā below:
