A journalist from Izvestia, Natalya Grafchikova, was assaulted at the entrance of the building hosting the seminar led by VIP coach Inna Tliashinova. The incident was reported through a Telegram channel that published further details about what happened. The reporter was reportedly removed from the premises by a security guard, who then allegedly seized the journalist’s phone before sending him out onto the street in only socks. The exact reason for the guard’s actions was not disclosed in official statements. In the aftermath, medical staff documented a hematoma in the right frontotemporal region and bruising on the head and various parts of the body. Grafchikova is suspected to have suffered a concussion as a result of the encounter. The episode has drawn attention to the security protocol surrounding the event and raised questions about how security staff should handle press access.
In the minutes before the confrontation, Inna Tliashinova was cited describing a distant healing attempt for singer MakSim, using a ritual performed by a large audience. The statement suggested that thousands of followers joined in the intention to support the artist, with Tliashinova noting that the gesture was meant to offer good wishes. MakSim faced serious health challenges in the summer of 2021, spending time in intensive care during a period when supporters and fans asked the public figure for help. The account of the incident with Grafchikova has prompted observers to examine the boundaries between public figures, media access, and the responsibilities of those who manage such events. The exchange in question has become part of a broader conversation about media safety and the protection of journalists in high-profile gatherings.
At the same time, another public official, a former Ombudsman of Chechnya, issued clarifications about the ongoing investigation into those who attacked Grafchikova, emphasizing that authorities are pursuing leads related to the incident. The updates signal an ongoing effort to determine the circumstances surrounding the assault and to identify any individuals responsible for the actions that disrupted the journalist during the seminar. The evolving story underscores the need for clear lines of accountability and for safety protocols that balance the rights of attendees, organizers, and the press.