In recent social media activity, Stas Kostyushkin addressed a public message to his colleague Philip Kirkorov through Instagram, alleging that Kirkorov had copied Kostyushkin’s onstage persona. The claim centered on Kostyushkin’s long-standing character Vitalik, whom he says was developed over a decade but was allegedly appropriated by Kirkorov for use in a televised project. Kostyushkin asserted that he would pursue the matter through legal channels, stating that a dispute over creative ownership would be taken to court. The artist emphasized the claim as a direct challenge to the integrity of the public figure involved and signaled a readiness to defend his creative rights in a formal setting. The exchange has sparked considerable discussion among fans and industry observers who are weighing the possible implications for likeness rights and copyright in performance media. [citation needed]
Kostyushkin also suggested that the visual representation used by Kirkorov in the program Mask bore similarities to Kostyushkin’s own established look, noting that the Vitalik persona had been a staple for him in appearances over the years. He described a shift away from flamboyance—eschewing the bright costumes and rhinestones in favor of a more restrained appearance with a black wig and glasses. However, interpretation of the timeline by various observers remains mixed. A Telegram channel known as Zvezdach proposed that Kostyushkin’s Vitalik could have emerged earlier than Kostyushkin publicly indicated, pointing to a 2019 appearance in another broadcast as the initial public introduction of the character. The debate highlights how audiences track the emergence of televised personas and the potential overlap with other performers on similar platforms. [citation needed]
Reports from the day before noted that public reaction to Kirkorov’s role in the show Mask was swift and intense, reflecting how audiences weigh the authenticity of celebrity performances. It became public knowledge on February 16 that Kirkorov would retain his role on the Mask jury in what was described as a high-profile judging panel. He was joined by Valeria, Regina Todorenko, and Timur Rodriguez as part of the ensemble for the program. The program itself debuted on the NTV channel, less than a week later, on February 18, drawing a broad viewership and generating conversation across social media about the show’s format and the personalities involved. [citation needed]
In a broader context, there were prior statements about the regulatory body RAO and a financial claim related to Kirkorov that was reported to be under consideration for withdrawal. The claim, originally valued at two million rubles, was connected to Kirkorov’s visit to the Donetsk People’s Republic and the broader political atmosphere surrounding the program and its participants. The unfolding narrative illustrates how legal considerations, creative rights, and public perception intersect in contemporary entertainment, especially when high-profile figures are involved in televised formats and stage personas. [citation needed]