Russian television presenter Alexei Sobchak has removed an interview with openly gay Russian-born singer and blogger Sergei Grigoryev-Apollon, known as Grey Wiese, following a complaint from Roskomnadzor. The interview, released in early September, featured the singer discussing his experiences as a gay man in Russia and his work as an activist and blogger. Sobchak, known for his progressive stance, reportedly took down the interview after Roskomnadzor flagged the content as promoting ‘LGBT propaganda,’ a term often used to justify censorship under Russia’s anti-LGBT laws.
Grey Wiese, who has been active in Russian social media for years, has spoken out about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, including discrimination and violence. The removal of the interview has sparked debates about freedom of expression and the government’s role in regulating content. Human rights organizations have criticized the decision, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent for censorship in the country. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between artistic expression and state control in Russia.