Lady Gaga Lashes Out at Russian Govt for Anti-Gay Laws, Calls It Criminal
Lady Gaga is following the footsteps of pop star Madonna in creating controversy. The singer took to Twitter on Monday to slam the "criminal" Russian government laws against the gays and lesbians in the country.
She wrote, "Sending bravery to LGBTs in Russia. The rise in government abuse is archaic. Hosing teenagers with pepper spray? Beatings? Mother Russia?... The Russian government is criminal. Oppression will be met with revolution. Russian LGBTs you are not alone. We will fight for your freedom."
In June, Russia passed a federal law banning "homosexual propaganda" among minors which literally means that those who speak openly about LGBT issues among youths - even foreigners - face fines, jail time and deportation.
The "Born This Way" singer even taunted Russian authorities for not arresting her after the performance. She added, "Why didn't you arrest me when you had the chance, Russia? Because you didn't want answer to the world."
While Lady Gaga said on stage, "Where's all my gay kids tonight? Tonight this is my house, Russia. You can be gay in my house," Madonna distributed pink armbands and openly stood out in support of Russian punk group Pussy Riot.
Gaga is not new to trouble with Russia. Back in 2012, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spoke out against the law and allowed her concert to go on as planned.
She later took to Twitter to thank the Prime Minister, "Thank You Prime Minister Medvedev for not standing by your party's anti gay propaganda law & instead supporting my show+fans all over Russia."
Back in 2012, Madonna created a furore in Russia when she talked about gays and their freedom in a concert, "I think that they have done something courageous. I think they have paid the price for this act, and I pray for their freedom."
Gaga and Madonna are currently being investigated for coming to Russia last year on the wrong visas. Vitaly Milonov, the politician who wrote St. Petersburg's law banning gay propaganda, is leading the efforts to charge the singers, according to MTV.
Both stars are facing punishment in Russia after authorities determined they violated their tourist visas issued to then when they held concerts there last year. According to Russian media, the concerts were veiled attempt by the singers for their vocal support of gay rights in Russia.
Lady Gaga's comments on Twitter earned more than 20,000 retweets in their first half-hour online.