Blondie’s Debbie Harry refuses Sochi gig over gay rights
By Sam Rigby
Debbie Harry has revealed that Blondie turned down the opportunity to perform at the Sochi Winter Olympics because of Russia’s anti-gay laws.
The singer posted the band’s offer letter on Twitter with the words “Pass – Human Rights” written over it.
Blondie were invited to perform at the Red Rocks Festival 2014 on February 13, and would have taken to the stage at 9pm in front of a crowd of potentially 25,000 people.
Harry joins a long list of public figures who have spoken out against Russia’s ‘gay propaganda’ laws, which has made it illegal to promote “non-traditional” relationships.
Clare Balding – who has travelled to Sochi as a sports presenter and commentator – defended her involvement on Twitter last week.
One Twitter user wrote: “principles before profit time?”
Clare responded: “No, I’d make more at home, be safer and have an easier life. The reason I’m here is to do my job. Visibility before avoidance #pride.”
More on Sochi:
> Russian Deputy Prime Minister: Gays should ‘leave kids alone’
> Olympics advert: ‘The games have always been a little bit gay’
> UN secretary-general condemns Russia over anti-gay laws
[Photo by David Shankbone]