The Safer Internet League president Ekaterina Mizulina attracted attention when news circulated about a concert in St. Petersburg where the vocalist Maxim Tesli appeared on stage with a sock covering part of his genitals. The incident drew immediate commentary from a leading figure in the St. Petersburg music scene who criticized Tesli and labeled him as imitating another rapper who had previously sparked controversy.
Reports said that during the St. Petersburg performance Tesli performed songs with provocative content while wearing a single sock over his genitals. Onlookers wondered how authorities in the northern capital might respond to the spectacle and the accompanying online and offline chatter. Observers noted the moment as a potential trigger for dialogue about performance boundaries and public decency in live music.
There were claims that an investigation might be opened into Tesli on grounds of promoting LGBT content, a charge that has been used in past times to scrutinize performers in the region. A prominent media outlet linked to investigative channels suggested that a high-level official asked the Prosecutor General to review whether there is LGBT propaganda involved and to consider criminal liability. The alleged discussion centered on how such expressions are interpreted under prevailing laws and social norms as part of a broader conversation about media and personal expression in Russia.
Reports described the incident as creating tension around the concert, with claims that Tesli removed the sock at a later moment during the same show. The coverage highlighted the performer’s appearance and the reactions it provoked among fans, commentators, and security services in the city of St. Petersburg.
At the end of December 2023, a separate case involving rapper Vacio, whose real name is Nikolai Vasiliev, was resolved by a court in which he was found guilty of petty hooliganism and promoting unconventional sexual relations after a party appearance. The ruling cited the use of a single sock during the event as part of the conduct under review and imposed a 15-day administrative detention. This outcome was reported by media outlets and is frequently cited in discussions about compliance with public order rules and the boundaries of artistic expression in Russia. The case contributed to ongoing debates about how public performances are regulated and how incidents are interpreted by authorities and audiences alike.
In related developments, there were suggestions that Vacio had received a summons related to military service, a detail that appeared in coverage around the same timeframe and fed into broader conversations about artists balancing public visibility with regulatory obligations. Commentary on the matter often reflects the compartmentalization of entertainment careers from statutory processes and the occasional overlap between media narratives and official proceedings.
Earlier statements from representatives connected to other well-known artists mentioned plans for upcoming appearances and travel, with discussions touching on venues such as Belgorod. These statements illustrate how artist tours and public appearances are frequently intertwined with media attention and the expectations of fan communities in various regions. The broader context emphasizes how entertainment personalities navigate public scrutiny, legal considerations, and the evolving standards of stage presence in contemporary performing arts.