The Telegram channel Shot reports that Ukrainian singer Svetlana Loboda lost a legal dispute against Oleg Vladi, the author behind the hit “To hell with love.” The court ruling requires Loboda to pay state duties and non-pecuniary damages of 50,000 rubles. In addition, a recording of a concert featuring Loboda will be removed from the internet platform involved in the case.
The producer filed suit after discovering a video of Loboda performing the composer’s song during a 2020 concert, a performance in which the singer sang the composition he wrote but did not credit herself as the author. Vladi sought 500,000 rubles as moral compensation, and the judge granted only part of his request.
disputed contract
Loboda’s team presented a Ukrainian copyright agreement that Vladi signed, which he denies, claiming his signature was forged. Vladi contends that the document would have granted Loboda almost full anonymity, something he says never occurred. He also criticized the conduct of Loboda’s management, describing it as lacking constructive dialogue and, in his view, close to fraudulent behavior.
The defense raised concerns about forgery and suggested the possibility of criminal implications if the signature was proven fake. A lawyer specializing in this area noted that forensic authentication can influence statements by involved parties, sometimes leading to changes in testimony. The matter could lead to further criminal investigation into the singer’s team for potential fraud or document forgery, depending on the outcome of ongoing inquiries.
Earlier in 2023, Vladi filed another suit against Comedy Club Production over a broadcast of his 2016 show Dancing. During that program, Loboda performed the composer’s hit yet her name did not appear in the credits, fueling continued dispute over proper authorship and recognition.
public reactions
Born in Ukraine, Loboda spent many years pursuing a musical career in Russia. After a video message urging an end to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, she left Russia in 2022 and settled in Latvia. Russian media outlets later severed ties with the singer, canceling contracts and removing her songs and videos from major broadcasts. This shift added to the controversy surrounding her relationship with audiences in both countries and the broader region.
In April, Loboda faced a visa ban of 50 years from entering the country over critical remarks about Russia’s operations in Ukraine. More recently, she drew criticism for a video featuring signs of support for Ukrainian forces, with some accusing the content of self-promotion and misrepresenting the context of her involvement. The debate has extended beyond music to questions about political positions and public accountability for artists with cross-border careers.
There have been claims from Ukrainian refugees in Poland who viewed Loboda’s visit to a Warsaw refugee center with skepticism. They described her gestures as ostentatious charity and highlighted past associations with Russian leadership figures, which they say complicated her standing among those seeking safety and asylum in the region. The scene illustrates how public figures can become focal points in debates that blend art, politics, and humanitarian concerns, especially when their actions touch multiple nations and audiences. [Citation: Shot Telegram channel]