Rapper Loqiemean, whose real name is Roman Khudyakov (also known as Lokimin), has publicly announced the cancellation of a planned tour across Russian cities. The revelation came through his Telegram channel, where he addressed fans and media directly about the decision and the reasons behind it.
Khudyakov explained that a wave of online criticism and slander from several bloggers contributed to the decision to suspend or cancel the concerts. He insisted that he did not donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and challenged the notion that such transfers occurred on his behalf. In his account, after February 24, 2022, he remained in Russia and did not relocate, asserting that there was no evidence to support claims of his financial support for armed conflict. He emphasized that he does not support warfare and has gone through his financial records to verify the absence of such donations.
In addressing the broader implications of the allegations, Khudyakov stressed that he is not an adversary of Russia. He rejected provocative labels toward Russians and defended his output as guided by Christian values when composing his music. He also stated that he does not promote LGBT propaganda and described himself as a family man who has drawn from his own life experiences. He suggested that the controversy around his persona was amplified by the online echo chamber, rather than reflecting his true intent as an artist.
The musician pointed to specific individuals he believes orchestrated the harassment. He named bloggers Vladislav Pozdnyakov and Stas Ai Kak Prosto, alleging that their actions played a central role in the backlash against him. Khudyakov noted that his team has filed a clarification request with the Safe Internet League, arguing that fair evaluation requires information from both sides of the conflict. The appeal signals an effort to restore balance and ensure that misinformation is addressed from all perspectives before conclusions are drawn.
Looking ahead, Lokimin indicated a desire to return to the stage at some point in the future. He expressed a long-standing wish to live in Russia and to develop his art within his homeland, even as he acknowledged disagreements with certain state policies. He reiterated his commitment to the country’s development and to preventing social ills such as drugs, pedophilia, and cyberbullying, including harmful behavior on the internet. He underscored that his family and friends remain in Russia, framing his stance as one of loyalty to his roots rather than a betrayal of his country. The postponement or cancellation of performances is presented as a result of external pressures rather than personal disloyalty, with a clear emphasis on the artist’s intent to contribute positively to his community when circumstances allow.
The formal acknowledgment that some appearances would be canceled or postponed was issued around May 3, a date the artist and his team referenced in discussing the impacted schedule and the corrective steps being taken. The episode has sparked discussions about the volatility of public opinion in the era of rapid online amplification, the responsibilities of influencers and media personalities, and the challenges faced by artists who navigate political sensitivities while pursuing creative work. Observers are watching how Khudyakov will manage future performances and communications as he works to rebuild trust with audiences and clarify his position on contentious issues. The situation remains dynamic, with supporters calling for fair treatment and critics urging accountability for actions and statements that have sparked significant debate. (Source: Telegram channel and subsequent statements by the artist)