Singer Philip Kirkorov will not lose the title of People’s Artist for his participation in the controversial nude party hosted by TV presenter and blogger Anastasia Ivleeva. This was reported by RIA Novosti citing the press service of the Ministry of Culture.
“The award remains in place unless a court issues a decision that becomes final after a conviction for a serious or especially serious crime,” the ministry stated. The agency added that such action is governed by law.
Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation and legal scholar Ivan Solovyov has previously argued that removal from the People’s Artist title can occur due to violations of professional ethical and moral standards. He noted that with the ban on LGBT propaganda in Russia, based on the designation of the International LGBT Movement as extremist, the artist’s behavior on stage and in daily life may prompt reconsideration of the honorary title. He suggested that there are strong legal grounds to initiate a proposal to deprive the title in the future.
Vitaly Borodin, head of the Federal Project on Security and Anti-Corruption, spoke in favor of considering a removal proposal for Kirkorov. It was reported by Singer Mash that the artist sought legal counsel in response to the situation.
Kirkorov and Asti were reportedly removed from a film
Despite retaining his title, Kirkorov was removed from a promotional plan for the film “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Everything!” TNT prepared to proceed without him in the comedy. The channel’s director, Tina Kandelaki, posted images from additional shooting on Telegram showing another actor portraying a role originally tied to a People’s Artist. Louis XVI was recast with a different performer in the alternate footage.
“I stand by this project. The audience matters most to me, and I am devoted to delivering for them,” stated actor Nikita Kologrivyi, who was involved in adapting Kashchei’s monologue for the new production.
In the same turn of events, Anna Asti, another guest of Ivleeva’s party (birth name Anna Dzyuba), was replaced by actress Klava Koka, who is portrayed as a country pop singer Klavdiya Vysokova in the film. Kandelaki’s Telegram channel denied rumors that participants were promised high salaries in case of emergency.
“Thank you to Klava Koka for agreeing to join this project. She is a fantastic artist. This is not the final list of performers, and more announcements will come,” the channel’s administrator commented.
In response to the developing situation, Philip Kirkorov published a promotional poster for the New Year’s “Winter Show,” which surfaced on social media amid the scandal.
All guests were under scrutiny
According to Puree, participants at the party were given a three-day window to resolve outstanding tax issues. The TV channel reported that investigators would conduct an on-site, full-scope audit if certain tax questions remained unresolved by 2024.
“A source at the Federal Tax Service indicated this is the final warning in the matter. If needed, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would take action, track funds, and initiate an on-site probe or a potential lawsuit,” the source said. The implication was clear: everyone on the guest list faced heightened scrutiny.
Telegram channel Baza revealed invitations were extended to Tina Kandelaki, Timati and his partner Feduk, Big Baby Tape, Nikolay Kartozia, Svetlana Bondarchuk, Mikhail Druyan, Sievert, Moneyken, Nyusha, Yana Rudkovskaya, Nastya Samburskaya, Christina Si, and Philip Yankovsky. Several attendees chose not to attend.
It was noted that those who had previously met Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League, especially Instasamka and Scally Milano, decided to skip the event.
Meanwhile, rapper Vacio, who attended with only one sock, faced a fine of 200 thousand rubles for alleged LGBT propaganda.
On the other hand, Irina Kirkora, vice president of the Human Rights Council, spoke to the National News Service about stopping discussions of the nude party. She emphasized that apologies had already been issued and that continuing to debate the incident could verge on harassment. She expressed hope that the matter would not be pursued further and that the focus should shift away from sensational coverage.