Pop star Selena Gomez was supposed to perform in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but the “Come & Get It” singer’s shows have been cancelled. Some believe this is because of officials fear that she may speak out against Russia’s anti-gay laws.
Gomez, 21, was supposed to perform in St. Petersburg on Sept. 23 and in Moscow on Sept. 25, notes E! News, but her visa was denied and her rep confirmed that she will not go to Russia.
Russian news outlets The Moscow Times and RIA Novist have reported that organizers believe that she is a victim of the anti-gay laws, which have sparked controversy around the world.
According to Billboard, gay rights activist John Becker has created a Change.org petition to try to get Gomez to publicly support equality in Russia.
Gomez is currently touring Eastern Europe and was supposed to perform in Minsk today, but it appears that this show was also cancelled. She’s set to perform in Kiev tomorrow.
Gomez’s scrapped Russia shows comes after Lady Gaga and Madonna were accused of breaking visa laws long after their shows in Moscow. They were both accused of “promoting homosexuality” and Madonna was even being sued.
Russia’s anti-gay laws, which specifically go after anyone who publicly supports homosexuality, have been brought to the world stage, especially since the country is hosting the Winter Olympics in February.
image: NBC