Madonna, Pussy Riot, Free Speech and Gay Rights
A few hours ago in her concert to thousands in Moscow, Madonna spoke out in support of Pussy Riot - the Russian band facing prison time for speaking out against Vladimir Putin. She showed her support with ‘Pussy Riot’ emblazoned on her back, with Pussy Riot’s trademark hood over her face, and with a speech given between songs pushing the importance of free speech. This was at the behest of Pussy Riot who had hoped Madonna would support their cause.
In this concert, Madonna also made statements urging tolerance of gay rights. If she does this on her next tour date in St Petersburg, she’ll be breaking the city’s law against the promotion of gay rights at public events. She has promised, however, to do just this.
Speaking up for Pussy Riot and speaking up for gay rights was a dangerous move. The US Embassies in Russia and St Petersburg have warned US citizens not to go to Madonna’s concerts due to threats of violence to those in the crowd and those performing on stage. Madonna can talk a lot of bullshit, but for this, I think she deserves credit for genuinely standing up for the rights to Express Yourself, even at the expense of personal risk.
Check out the video of Madonna’s speech at tonight’s Moscow concert below.
UPDATE:
