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Juliva Volova who is one half of t.a.T.u., a band who represented Russia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2003 where they finished in third place (they almost won) had some very strong words towards gay men that were quite homophobic. You can watch the clip HERE (in Russian) but this is the controversial part of the interview:
Interviewer: Will you condemn your son, if he is gay?
Yulia: Yes, I would condemn him, because I believe that a real man must be a real man. God created man for procreation, it is the nature. The man for me is the support, the strength of… I won’t accept gay son.
Stop stop… you just told me that you do not mind if your daughter was a lesbian. You were talking about freedom…
This only applies to a daughter, not a son.
So you think that freedom can only be for women?
I think for men it’s a bad freedom. In our time, there is a very large number of frivolous girls (and a man can **** a large number of these girls). This is freedom for men. And a man has no right to be a fag. Two girls together – not the same thing as the two men together. It seems to me that lesbians look aesthetically much nicer than two men holding her hand or kissing.
Needless to say that most people were not too happy about her statements as you can see in some of the comments posted on Social Media.
Lee Smith from the United Kingdom was mostly disappointed by her behavior
@JuliaVolkova you have really let us down, disappointed is an understatement. People in the community have looked up to you #tATu #LGBT
— lee smith (@LanayruLee) September 18, 2014
Others were quick to point out the fact that the band used a “Lesbian gimmick” to gain attention and is now turning on those who supported them
@JuliaVolkova why would U use gayness to enhance your career but condemn it if it’s true and a part of your son?U R hysterically horrible. — Frankie Donjae (@Vontayne) September 19, 2014
While it’s wonderful to have Freedom of Speech, it does not mean Freedom of Repercussions and Criticism and this gentlemen basically points out how she basically shot herself in the foot.
@JuliaVolkova hahaha you have no idea how many fans you’ve lost and how many people are done with you and everything you are #youdeserveit
— Steven Barbier (@CnTmPrARyDaNcR) September 19, 2014
While an overwhelming majority disapproved of her comments some of her fans stood by her.
@JuliaVolkova I love you Julia. Forget the world, the true fans are with you. — Ferchito ® (@ztatiko) September 19, 2014
The situation on Julia’s facebook isn’t any different.
We don’t know if the 29 year older singer cares or worries about comments made by her (former) International fans but it is a clear reminder to us all the words can hurt and they do have consequences. Hopefully Julia will be able to reflect on what has transpired and grow as a human being.
What are your thoughts on this? We always love to hear your thoughts, send them to us on Twitter and don’t forget to like us on Facebook as well!
Ans Elm
September 19, 2014 at 10:00
What’s even sadder is the majority of the audience clapping