Weekly top: Terrorist threat bombs Madonna in Russia
The Material Girl was at it again: In the news for all the wrong reasons. Well it’s hardly surprising; celebrities like to stay in the limelight using whatever means they can, after all. Madonna especially is no stranger to shock value news creation: remember her conical bra, the raunchy pictures in her book, ‘Sex’ and her muscular biceps at one time?
It all started with Madonna’s much publicized support for the feminist band. Three singers from the all woman band have been imprisoned by religious hatred, they had performed an ‘prayer’ at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow in February this year, protesting against Vladimir Putin’s re-election. Apparently on entering the church, they crossed themselves, bowed at the altar and began the song and were immediately escorted out by guards. The song portrays the religious leader, Patriarch Kirill as believing more in Putin than God.
They are awaiting trial and sentencing is scheduled for the 17th of August. If they are found guilty, the three female punk singers could end up being guests of the State for the next three years. They have received widespread sympathy within Russia and also internationally for ‘harsh’ treatment they received while imprisoned; but there has also been accused by locals of offending religious sentiments of believers.
The band is known for staging impromptu performances and many of them are political comments. Their costumes consist of bright dresses, tights and balaclavas, which they keep on even while facing the media. They claim that they are influenced by the feminist rock bands of the 90’s like Bikini Kill and Riot Grrl.
Unidentified persons threatened to attack members of the audience and stage performers at the Madonna concert on August 8th. Specific details of the threat were not revealed; but as the threat was made just days after Madonna appealed for a fair trial for the ‘unjustly censored’ and incarcerated singers, it is assumed to be directly related to her support of Pussy Riot. The US Embassy had issued warnings to that effect and advised people to stay away from the concert for safety. The St.Petersburg Embassy received the threats and issued warnings. The Embassy also cautioned those who decide to go the concert to remain alert and vigilant in the light of the terror threat.
Madonna herself appeared unfazed by the threats and had announced she would go ahead with the tour undeterred.
In fact she went a step ahead during the concert at the Olimpsky Stadium in Moscow. She made a dramatic entry on the stage wearing a balaclava, the trademark of the punk band singers. Then she took off her jacket and revealed the words ‘Pussy Riot’ written on her back, to the audience. She also announced that she was praying for their freedom.
Whether this whole melodrama was just another publicity gimmick or she really ‘felt’ for the band members is still unclear. After all this is not the first time the Material Girl has resorted to such tricks to ensure a sellout crowd for her concerts.
Robin Mckenzie has been writing articles related to Technology News, Gadget Reviews and How To’s.
The biography of this guest post was edited as it contained links that are prohibited on Daily News. - Tech Spec. Taviath D.
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