Ellie Goulding on performing in Russia: ‘It’s probably a no’

Ellie Goulding has revealed that she wouldn’t be willing to perform in Russia because of the country’s anti-gay laws. 

The chart-topper, who won the Music prize at last year’s Attitude Awards, told The Hollywood Reporter that she would be following Cher’s lead by refusing to perform in the country, saying: “It’s probably a ‘no’ for Russia.”

The Burn singer’s comments come after legendary singer Cher revealed last year that she turned down an invitation to perform at the Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The 67-year-old said at the time: “I immediately said no. I want to know why all this gay hate just exploded over there.”

Ellie has previously expressed her support for Pussy Riot, the Russian punk group who were jailed two years ago on hooliganism charges, tweeting that their jail sentence was “insanity”. The 27-year-old is currently at number one on the UK’s Official Albums Chart with second album Halcyon..

In June 2013, Russia passed laws banning the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relations” towards minors, and there has been an increasingly hostile atmosphere towards the country’s LGBT community.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said gays visiting Russia for next month’s Sochi Olympics have nothing to worry about – provided they “leave children in peace.”

The Sochi Olympics begin on February 7 and run until February 23. US President Barack Obama is aiming to showcase “diversity” at the games by sending an Olympic delegation including several openly gay sports stars – among them, six-times Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King.

You can watch Ellie Goulding’s Attitude Music Award acceptance speech below:

[youtube height=”HEIGHT” width=”WIDTH”]http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3znrnAwG5g[/youtube]