Vladimir Putin’s officials have threatened to send a Russian rapper to the frontline in Ukraine after he was caught at an “almost naked” party last month.
Nikolai Vasilyev, 25, known as Vacio, was handed a 15-day prison sentence and a 200,000 rubles (£1,774) fine for attending a party hosted by influencer Anastasia Ivleeva in December.
Vasilyev was spotted at Moscow’s Mutabor nightclub wearing only a Balenciaga sock covering his genitals in what appeared to be an homage to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’s “Fight Like A Brave” single.
The 25-year-old rapper was accused of promoting “non-traditional sexual relations” at the party and given the order to appear at one of Moscow’s recruitment centres.
He did not comply after receiving an additional 10 days in jail for allegedly swearing at police officers.
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The party, held on December 20, sparked a furious backlash from conservative spheres in Moscow – especially Orthodox Church groups.
Politicians and public figures have demanded severe punishments for the partygoers claiming they contributed to fuelling decadence at a time when Russians are struggling under the pressure of global sanctions.
A Russian pundit branded the event as “cynical” while Russian men “are dying in the special military operation and many children are losing their fathers”.
Pro-Putin broadcaster Vladimir Solovyov ranted at attendees in a blistering Telegram post, referring to them as “beasts” and “scums” who “don’t care what’s going on.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova insisted the “almost naked” celebrations “stained” the image of anyone who attended.
Russian tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets has claimed the rapper suffers from an unspecified condition that would make him exempt from serving in Ukraine.
Ivleeva was not charged in connection to the party, however, her finances have come under sudden investigation by Russian authorities.
And dozens of people have joined a class action that could force the Russian influencer to pay more than £7.8million to a pro-war charity.
The furious crackdown on the party is on par with Vladimir Putin’s return to strong conservative policies which have resulted in a ban on international LGBTQ+ groups and demands for families to have eight or more children.
