Recently, a video titled “Smoke” by Itsyk Tsyper, whose real name is Igor Tsyba, was blocked for viewers in Russia at the request of government authorities. The block is evidenced by data from the video hosting platform and appears when attempting to play the clip, displaying a notice that the content has been restricted in that country by official order.
Prior to the block, representatives from a group called the Veterans of Russia lodged a formal complaint with Russia’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office concerning Tsyper’s track “Smoke,” which has amassed millions of views on the platform. Activists argued that the song’s lyrics promote drug use and could influence audiences to use substances as a form of relaxation.
Further reporting indicates that Itsyk Tsyper’s legal name is Igor Tsyba, and that he was born in Kostanay, Kazakhstan, where he continues to reside. Reports also state that Tsyba has restricted public discussions of his biography, citing concerns about potential scrutiny of his ties with Ukraine. Additional coverage notes that Tsyba was once connected to Ukrainian citizenship and frequently traveled to cities such as Kyiv and Odesa.
In a separate development, another public figure, a performer named Dzhigurda, was reported to be pursuing an investigation related to a leaked video involving a driver. The case appears to be in its early stages and reflects ongoing controversies surrounding unauthorized disclosures in the media sphere.