Authorities are probing a candid photo session tied to a fan-made tribute at the grave of Mikhail Gorshenev, the late leader of the band Korol i Shut. The incident came to light through statements provided to socialbites.ca by Olga Gorsheneva, the musician’s widow.
In response to questions about the case, Gorsheneva stated that the matter should proceed strictly under the law, with decisions made through proper legal channels. “There is nothing more to add. If the process calls for a hearing and a statement, that is how it will unfold”, she explained, noting that she had received numerous calls from concerned individuals but had already filed an official statement with authorities.
Alevtina, the young woman whose photographs sparked the controversy, declined to discuss her actions with socialbites.ca, saying she was not ready to speak publicly at this time.
Earlier social media posts showed a girl in shorts posing at the Bogoslovsky cemetery in St. Petersburg beside the grave of Mikhail Gorshenev. The online petition quickly emerged, urging penalties for what some described as a desecration of the grave in tribute to the band. The incident has since become a focal point for debates about artistic expression, respect for the deceased, and the boundaries of fan activity at memorial sites.
Reports from Mash on the Moika identify the Belarusian nail technician involved as Alevtina, who is believed by some observers to have meant no offense against the memory of the musician. The differing interpretations around the photos have underscored tensions between creative tribute and potential harm to a public figure’s memory, prompting discussions about how such acts should be viewed within the broader cultural framework.