Madonna cleared by Russian court over anti-gay compensation claim

The case against Madonna, which was filed by anti-gay activists, was dismissed in a Russian court

12:30 25 November 2012

A Russian court has dismissed the case filed against Madonna by anti-gay activists. The Queen of Pop was accused of promoting homosexuality, which was decriminalized in Russia in 1993 but is still not fully accepted in the country.

 

The accusations were prompted by the singer’s performance during her MDNA tour in Russia where she showed support for equal rights for gay people.

This caused controversy with some anti-gay groups that later on, made cases to sue the singer for her actions. Reportedly nine pro-homophobia activists filed complaints in August asking over $10 million in moral damages.

Judge Vitaly Barkosky stressed that tickets for the concert clearly featured an ‘18+’ sign stipulating that the show wasn’t intended for younger people. Claims were thought to have been made that Madonna’s stand on equality corrupted the minds of Russian young people.

Aside from tossing out the complaint, the judge also ordered those involved acting against the singer to compensate legal expenses to the concert organizers. It is thought there will be an appeal against the court ruling.