In a bizarre incident at a Moscow nightclub, blogger and TV presenter Nastya Ivleeva hosted an "Almost Naked Party" on December 20, attended by scantily clad pop stars and celebrities. The private affair turned public when images surfaced on social media, causing uproar among pro-Kremlin figures who criticized the revelry amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russian rapper Vacio, notably wearing only shoes and one strategically placed sock, faced consequences with a 15-day jail term for "disorderly conduct" and a fine for "promoting non-traditional sexual relations."
Ivleeva, the party organizer, is now facing legal action, with over 20 people filing a class-action lawsuit demanding she pay a billion roubles to the Defender of the Fatherland Foundation.
This organization supports participants in the Kremlin's "special operation" in Ukraine. Partygoers are also grappling with repercussions, including canceled concert dates, terminated advertising contracts, and potential edits in pre-recorded New Year's Eve shows on Russian TV.
Prominent guests, such as Philipp Kirkorov and Dima Bilan, have issued video messages on social media, with some apologizing for their attendance and others defending their choices. Ivleeva expressed readiness for any outcome, acknowledging her mistake in hosting the event.
The events have shocked Russian celebrities who, despite the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, had chosen to stay in Russia.
The public's anger has shifted toward these figures, possibly indicative of Russia's political system relying on scapegoats to deflect blame for domestic and international issues. Previously, scapegoats included Ukraine, the US, the UK, the EU, and NATO; now, it appears that some Russian celebrities have joined this list.
Exiled Russian opposition activist Maxim Katz suggested a changing dynamic, emphasizing that partying in a country at war starkly contrasts with the current reality.
The system, for the first time in a while, seems to be pushing back against those who supported its rules as long as they weren't applied to them.
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