Madonna is being sued by a group of
Russian activists who claim “moral damages” over her support for
gay rights during a St. Petersburg concert.
The suit filed by nine people demands
reparations from Madonna, the organizer of her concert and the
concert hall where she played in St. Petersburg. According to Ria
Novosti, petitioners claim “moral damages” stemming from “the
open promotion of homosexuality” and are asking for $10.5 million
in compensation.
“Some of these people attended the
concert and others saw media reports,” Alexander Pochuyev, a lawyer
who representing the activists, told Ria
Novosti.
During her Thursday, August 9 concert,
Madonna defied city authorities who had threatened to fine the pop
star.
“We want to fight for the right to be
free,” she told the audience, most of whom were wearing pink
wristbands distributed at the door. Madonna urged them to “show
your love and appreciation to the gay community.”
St. Petersburg Assemblymember Vladimir
Milonov told Russia's Interfax
news agency that either the pop star or concert organizers
will be fined for violating the city's law which criminalizes “public
actions aimed at propaganda of pederasty, lesbianism, bisexuality and
transgenderism among minors.”
Milonov, who sponsored the law, stated
that there were children as young as 12 present at the concert.
“Madonna or the organizers need to be
brought to justice,” Milonov said.