Actress Maria Shukshina commented that TV host Andrei Malakhov does not merit a government prize proposed by Valentina Matviyenko, the Federation Council speaker, for the transfer of the program named Songs from the Heart. She expressed on her Telegram channel that Malakhov frequently orchestrates on-air spectacles that she described as attempts to manipulate viewers and tarnish the credibility of what they see on screen.
Shukshina characterized Malakhov as a figure who stands at the core of a cultural moment she believes has left audiences disoriented and passive. She argued that he did not create the trend but eagerly joined what she calls a wave of misinformation and sensationalism. The actress pointed to episodes she views as problematic, noting a pattern of allegations and controversial moments surrounding the presenter, which have been widely discussed in the media and online communities.
She recalled the Diana Shurygina case, the lawsuits involving Malakhov, and disputes with Konstantin Ernst, highlighting what she frames as recurring scandals connected to the television host. These references are part of a broader critique that connects media behavior with public discourse and trust in televised programming.
Previously, Matviyenko reportedly addressed Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova with a request to recognize Malakhov for promoting folk art on television, mentioning a unique project hosted on the Rossiya channel. The proposal suggested that Malakhov deserved a government award for the contributions made through that program and its reach to diverse communities across the country.
The program Songs from the Heart is described as bringing together guests from various regions to share family stories and perform songs around a central table, creating a communal broadcast that centers on personal narratives, cultural heritage, and the exchange of memories in a televised setting. [Citation: State media coverage and public commentary compiled from multiple outlets.]