Madonna sued for ‘promoting homosexuality’ in Russia

Madonna is in trouble in Russia for voicing support for gay rights during a recent concert in St. Petersburg. Anti-gay activists are suing the singer for nearly $10.5 million or asking concert-goers to wave pro-gay pink armbands she had distributed, reports AP.

According to Newser, the suit claims Madonna violated a new law passed in February that forbids promoting homosexuality to minors. The suit alleges there were fans as young as 12 at the August 9th performance.

Fox News reports that Alexander Pochuyev, a lawyer representing the nine activists, told Russian news agencies that the suit was filed Friday against Madonna, the organizer of her concert, and the hall where it was held, asking for damages totaling 333 million rubles, or nearly $10.5 million.

Pochuyev reportedly told Russian media that the activists are not stuck in the Middle Ages: "No one is burning anyone at the stake or carrying out an Inquisition," said Alexander Pochuyev. "Modern civilization requires tolerance and respect for different values."

Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, did not immediately comment on the lawsuit, according to AP.

Madonna also angered Russians this week for voicing support for the female punk band Pussy Riot, whose members were sentenced to two years in a penal colony for expressing anti-Putin sentiments during a recent Moscow show. Madonna reportedly said the sentence is "too harsh and in fact is inhumane."

"They've spent enough time in jail," she added. "I call on all of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free."