In a recent interview with the TV channel 360, former world boxing champion and Russian lawmaker Nikolai Valuev weighed in on the debate surrounding Nastya Ivleeva, a prominent blogger and television presenter. He suggested that criticizing Ivleeva amounts to bullying, arguing that she deserves leniency in the face of public scrutiny.
Valuev stood up for Ivleeva, voicing the belief that she should not be punished harshly for her actions. He noted that this stance is shared by the women who took part in the same event, highlighting a sense of solidarity among them. The parliamentarian also condemned the threats directed at Ivleeva, stressing that such behavior crosses lines and has no place in public discourse.
“Sometimes we lose sight of basic morality in our heated emotions,” the former boxer remarked. “Christian morality, and the values echoed by most world religions, call for restraint and empathy, not cruel judgments.” His words reflected a call for more thoughtful consideration before rushing to condemnations in online spaces.
Valuev explicitly condemned the actions linked to what he described as a high-profile, provocative event. He characterized the so-called Bohemian party of the entertainment industry as detached from everyday life, following rules that do not align with those governing life in Russia. The implication was clear: the actions of some show business figures should be evaluated against the norms that guide society at large, rather than against an isolated subculture’s code of conduct.
He added that this is a bohemian circle in show business, a world apart from ordinary life. While society needs protection from the excesses of public figures when they overstep bounds, it also warrants a more balanced response that avoids excessive punitive measures, particularly for the women involved. “Punishing Ivleeva for her choice is akin to bullying,” Valuev asserted, urging a tempered, fairer approach that weighs context and intent alongside public reaction.
The event in question, held on December 20, attracted widespread attention due to a provocative dress code that invited guests to arrive nearly half-naked. Critics voiced sharp disapproval of the party and its participants, while Ivleeva and several other artists issued apologies for attending. The episode sparked a broader conversation about gender, responsibility, and the pressures faced by public figures in the spotlight. Observers noted how the public discourse often shifts quickly, leaving room for diverse viewpoints about accountability, personal expression, and the boundaries of satire in contemporary media culture.
In a related development, the topic drew comparisons from other high-profile figures in the entertainment industry, including remarks from Mikhalkov’s daughter who linked bed scenes in cinema to Ivleeva’s party, highlighting how different sectors of culture interpret visual storytelling and on-screen choices. The discussion underscored a wider tension between artistic freedom and social expectations, a theme that resonates across many countries, including Canada and the United States, as audiences continually reassess what constitutes acceptable conduct by celebrities and media personalities.