Davankov Defends Yegor Creed, Calls Accusations a Distraction for Law Enforcement
Moscow, Russia – In a swift response to mounting criticism, Vladislav Davankov, Vice Speaker of the State Duma, has publicly defended singer Yegor Creed against accusations of staging a “naked party” at a recent concert in Luzhniki. This breaking news development comes after calls for an investigation from prominent figures like Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the “Safe Internet League,” and Deputy Vitaly Milonov. Davankov’s statement, delivered via his Telegram channel, sharply criticizes those he deems as misusing law enforcement resources. This story is optimized for Google News and SEO indexing.
Photo: Nemyshev Vyacheslav © ura.ru
Scandal Erupts After Luzhniki Concert
The controversy began following Creed’s performance in Luzhniki, where a segment featuring a dancer and a kiss on stage prompted Mizulina to label the show a “naked party.” She subsequently appealed to the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office to investigate potential violations. Milonov went further, suggesting administrative penalties for both Creed and the concert organizers. The accusations quickly gained traction, fueling a debate about artistic expression and public morality in Russia.
Davankov’s Rebuttal: A Matter of Priorities
Davankov, however, offered a starkly different perspective. “I watched the ‘scandalous’ video from the concert of Yegor Creed. I was looking for ‘debauchery’, which ‘defenders of traditional values’ complained about, but never found,” he wrote. He argued that diverting law enforcement attention to such matters is “simply unacceptable,” emphasizing that police have “more important tasks” to address. He also subtly suggested that those offended by the performance were free to choose not to attend. Davankov’s support for Creed, described as “rays of support” by URA.RU, represents a significant pushback against the conservative voices driving the accusations.
The Broader Context: Censorship and Artistic Freedom in Russia
This incident isn’t occurring in a vacuum. Russia has seen increasing scrutiny of artistic expression in recent years, with laws aimed at protecting “traditional values” often interpreted as restrictions on creative freedom. The “Safe Internet League,” led by Mizulina, has been a key player in advocating for stricter online content regulation. This case highlights the ongoing tension between those seeking to uphold conservative norms and those defending artistic license. Historically, similar controversies have sparked debates about censorship and the role of the state in regulating cultural output. Understanding this context is crucial to interpreting the current situation.
Commercial vs. Budget Concerts: A Nuance Often Overlooked
Davankov also pointed out a practical distinction often missed in these debates: the difference between commercial and state-funded concerts. Commercial events, like Creed’s, operate under different expectations and are generally subject to less stringent oversight than performances supported by public funds. This nuance underscores the importance of considering the funding model when evaluating artistic content and potential regulatory interventions. It’s a reminder that artistic expression isn’t monolithic and operates within diverse economic frameworks.
The fallout from this incident is likely to continue, potentially influencing future discussions about artistic freedom and the boundaries of acceptable content in Russia. Davankov’s intervention adds a crucial voice to the conversation, challenging the narrative pushed by conservative groups and emphasizing the need for a proportionate response from law enforcement. As the situation unfolds, Archyde will continue to provide up-to-date coverage and insightful analysis.
