Music producer Joseph Prigozhin spoke about a harsh and escalating attack on artists in Russia, urging an end to the persecution of creative professionals. In a thoughtful discussion with NSN, he suggested that those who were involved in the recent controversy recognized their missteps, and he described the participants’ outfits as alarmingly familiar, even plain in a way that felt almost naked to the eye. He stressed that the broader trend of hostility toward artists is harmful and unacceptable, calling for a pause and a reassessment of how public figures are treated in the wake of missteps or scandals.
“Today there is a huge attack on all artists and creative people; it is ugly and offensive. I stand with the view expressed by Lera Kudryavtseva that cruelty should not be organized or allowed to continue”, the producer remarked in the interview. The comments reflected a concern that public criticism has crossed into a line where constructive dialogue gives way to shaming and punitive attention that rarely serves the arts community or its audiences.
Prigozhin noted that he had chosen not to weigh in publicly on the most recent scandal involving the party described as naked, but he acknowledged that the outfits worn by several stars appeared to him as familiar and perhaps staged in ways that are repeat performances on television and in media appearances. He pointed out that many performers repeatedly appear on stage or on screens in similar costumes, which can blur the line between artistic expression and a manufactured persona, prompting a deeper discussion about image, expectation, and accountability in the entertainment industry.
He added that some topics at the moment are not timely and that this is not a moment for such events to dominate public discourse. He stressed that artists have responsibilities and that the industry must reconcile creative freedom with the pressures of public scrutiny, noting that the participants have to a degree made their own determinations about how they present themselves and how they respond to public attention.
Public comments from Lera Kudryavtseva had already highlighted the sensitive nature of the episode, with critics in social media and among fans describing the events as excessive. Observers and commentators alike are debating the balance between performers’ rights to expression and the impact of sensational coverage on viewers and fans. The discussion touches on broader themes of how celebrity culture shapes norms and how quick judgments can ripple through communities connected to the artists.
The December 20 event at Mutabor club has been at the center of this debate. According to the dress code, guests were asked to arrive half-naked, which sparked a wave of responses from fans and media in the hours and days following the party. Several participants issued apology statements or video messages, including Ivleeva, as well as well-known artists such as Philip Kirkorov and Dima Bilan. Reports indicate that some concerts were canceled in the aftermath, with varying degrees of disruption across the industry. Other figures reportedly began to spend extended periods traveling or away from the country, reflecting how a single night can influence professional stability and public perception for those in the performing arts ecosystem.
In this climate, a lawsuit was rumored to be moving forward in relation to the episode, with a claim of moral damages reportedly lodged by an individual connected to the industry. The size of the claim and the specifics of the case have been the subject of online debate, underscoring how legal actions intertwined with public sentiment can affect reputations and the future opportunities of those involved. Observers suggest that the situation highlights the fragile line artists walk between self-presentation and public accountability, and the need for clearer norms around media ethics, consent, and the boundaries of sensational reporting. The ongoing discussion continues to shape how audiences understand celebrity conduct, artistic expression, and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure in contemporary entertainment.