Following the controversial nude party hosted by blogger Anastasia Ivleeva, several performers faced changes to Russia’s major New Year broadcasts. Channel One and the VGTRK group trimmed or removed appearances by Philip Kirkorov and Lolita from their festive programs. NTV adjusted its lineup as well, cutting screen time for these stars in shows where they previously served as hosts, while they were not completely erased from the air.
Likewise, TNT decided to exclude attendees of the nude party from its schedule. The New Year film Ivan Vasilievich Changes Everything received edits that swapped Kirkorov with Nikita Kologrivoy, who starred in The Boy’s Word, and replaced Anna Asti with Klava Koka, ensuring different on-screen presenting choices.
The Winter Show was announced for January 1 at Live Arena. Organizers stated that in place of Philip Kirkorov and Lolita, Lyusya Chebotina, Khabib, and Burito would take the stage a lineup shift that aimed to keep the show compelling for viewers.
Despite the scandal, Dima Bilan, Lada Dance and Dmitry Malikov remained part of the plans, according to a brief note from the network team.
On a different note, Ksenia Sobchak reported through her Telegram channel the cancellation of three New Year corporate events associated with her brand and outreach.
“Plato, Sobchak’s son, is enjoying time at home with fresh snow outside and a warm hearth inside. Icicles dominate the season’s mood,” the presenter wrote, as reported by socialbites.ca.
Mizulina on Kirkorov’s absence
Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League, noted that federal channels heeded public feedback by removing nude performances from their New Year broadcasts. She observed that while a complete removal was not feasible, organizers reduced air time through edits and reshoots.
“I never thought I would see a New Year without Kirkorov on screen, yet it happened. 2023, thanks for that,” Mizulina commented.
She also criticized the apology culture surrounding the nude party participants, arguing that the stars had not shown humanitarian effort such as visiting hospitals or contributing to military relief, and that their stance suggested detachment from national struggles. Mizulina called for continued scrutiny and viewed boycotts as a valid response.
Anfisa Chekhova backs Ivleeva
TV presenter Anfisa Chekhova shared on Instagram that Ivleeva had not earned the backlash she received and deserved support rather than condemnation. She advised Ivleeva to plan future steps with care and noted sadness over Ivleeva’s public apology to colleagues, who in Chekhova’s view shifted positions soon after.
Chekhova remarked that costumes appeared thoughtfully chosen and the mood in the party photos suggested genuine enjoyment. She argued that people fear losing income, outfits, and media exposure, but Ivleeva did nothing to deserve blame.
Chekhova added that everyone makes mistakes and that Ivleeva deserved the fame she had built through her performance and charisma.
Ivleeva and the nude party details
During the night of December 20 to 21, the Mutabor club in Moscow hosted a party for Ivleeva that drew about 450 invited celebrities, though attendance varied. The dress code embraced a near-nude aesthetic, and many attendees reflected the theme, including Kirkorov, Sobchak, Lolita, Bilan, Dzhigan with Oksana Samoilova, Glyuk’oZa, Anna Asti, and around 170 others.
Activists condemned the event amid the ongoing military operation in Ukraine, and many labeled it as LGBT propaganda, a movement banned in Russia. Investigations and checks followed.
Reports indicated rapper Vacio entered wearing a sock over his genitals. He faced a 15-day detention and a fine of 200,000 rubles.
Ivleeva herself faced potential legal issues, including judgments for organizing a mass gathering that disrupted public order and a separate tax matter with the Federal Tax Service. Additional civil action loomed as actor Alexander Inshakov filed a billion-ruble claim for damages, and the tax service found a substantial debt despite partial repayment. The Mutabor club also prepared to pursue compensation for reputational damage.
Other participants reportedly encountered tax scrutiny as well, though the most visible repercussions touched Kirkorov, Lolita, Sobchak, Asti, and Ivleeva most directly.