After turning down an invite to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Cher admits the decision was not easy.
When asked by Canadian magazine Maclean's what she thought about the situation in Russia, the singer replied:
"I can’t name names but my friend called who is a big oligarch over there, and asked me if I’d like to be an ambassador for the Olympics and open the show. I immediately said no. I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there. He said the Russian people don’t feel the way the government does."
Cher also tells E! News about how difficult the decision really was.
"It was hard, I have so many Russian friends," Cher said. "I have lots of Russian fans, and I have so many people that I love...so that was difficult."
Last year Lady Gaga and Madonna voiced their support for the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community in Russia. Recently Selena Gomez had to cancel two shows in Russia after being denied a visa. This was reportedly due to strict rules granting foreign musicians into Russia after Gaga and Madonna's concert controversy.
"I wanted to, you know, no one's ever gonna ask me to come and either be the American ambassador or sing in the middle [of the Olympics] or do something in the opening, so it was hard. But also, you guys are my heart, you know, I can't do it," Cher said.
Photo Courtesy of NBC