Selena Gomez denied Russian visa over pro-gay leanings
Singer Selena Gomez has reportedly pulled out of the planned performances in St. Petersburg and Moscow as she has been denied a visa.
The concert organizers said the 21-year old record artist has cancelled the shows as she has been denied a visa due to the new rules which are set in order to keep out Western artists who promote gay rights, Stuff.co.nz reported.
The Russian Entertainment Academy said "the situation is a result of the scandals over the Madonna, Lady Gaga and Bloodhound Gang concerts, after which the Russian authorities changed procedures for issuing visas to foreign musical and artistic groups".
According to Russian state-run news agency RIA, the procedures were changed following complaints from Vitaly Milonov, a St. Petersburg legislator who criticized Madonna and Lady Gaga, and has campaigned against gay rights.
A representative for the 'Come and Get It' singer confirmed that the Russia concerts were cancelled but declined further comment.
Madonna and Lady Gaga had defended gay rights during their concerts in Russia and lead singer of US group Bloodhound Gang had stuffed a Russian flag down his trousers in Ukraine.