The filmmaker Sarik Andreasyan recently explained on social media why he pulled back from an interview with journalist Ksenia Sobchak, following a high-profile party hosted by blogger Nastya Ivleeva. The planned discussion, scheduled for February, never happened after Andreasyan attended the event and supported Ivleeva. He stated that he did not want to be seen as closely aligned with Sobchak any longer.
Andreasyan described his own stance as one that rejects indulgence as a path to freedom and happiness. He portrayed himself as someone who desires a dignified old age and who does not want to offend soldiers at the front, their families, or a broad audience with what he called childish behavior.
According to the director, certain bohemian personalities sometimes appear detached from the boundaries of reality and fail to grasp the larger picture. He argued that even when geopolitical conflicts are set aside, every well-known artist represents not just themselves but also their family, circle, and national identity.
He added that being an artist carries responsibility toward others, comparable to the duties of a parent. He expressed concern that prominent figures, celebrated in the country, are often supported by others who share a similar lifestyle and are granted substantial opportunities.
The December event took place at Mutabor club, with guests invited to arrive in a half-naked dress code. Attendees included Ksenia Sobchak, Olga Orlova, Philip Kirkorov, the group Glukoza, Lolita Milyavskaya, Oksana Samoilova, rapper Vacio, and Dzhigan.
Shortly after, a state official raised concerns about the party. On December 21, a deputy from the State Duma called on federal agencies to review the event at Ivleeva’s Moscow venue. The request sought to examine compliance with laws regarding public messaging on LGBTQ topics, referencing a movement labeled extremist within the federation.
Previously, Ivleeva faced criticism from public figures such as Maria Pogrebnyak, who accused her of undermining established moral and ethical standards.