Journalist Otar Kushanashvili sparked controversy by labeling figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva a “tramp,” a remark tied to the assertion that “A young tramp will come and wipe us off the face of the earth.” The comment appeared in Sports24 and drew immediate backlash for its harsh tone and implications about a young athlete in the spotlight.
Kushanashvili explained that his words echoed a line from a poet, expressing a belief that up‑and‑coming talents could challenge established figures. He stressed that journalism requires extensive preparation, noting that Lipnitskaya faced media attention with less experience and appeared to assume the role of a housewife rather than a prepared interviewee.
The commentator had previously criticized Medvedev in November 2023 after an interview with blogger Danya Milokhin, describing the skater in unflattering terms and questioning her interviewing skills and choice of guests. The remarks highlighted a pattern of provocative commentary that sparked discussion about media responsibility and the boundaries of public critique.
Earlier in the controversy, Medvedev had shown support in the wake of Kamila Valieva’s disqualification, a moment that added another layer to the public discourse surrounding the athletes and their media portrayals.