Ellie Goulding: ‘I won’t be playing in Russia anytime soon’

British singer Ellie Goulding has joined the growing list of stars boycotting Russia in the wake of the nation’s anti-gay propaganda laws. The Burn singer has announced she won’t be playing any shows in Russia for the foreseeable future as part of a protest against legislation that was passed last year (13), making it illegal to teach youngsters about homosexuality.
She joins stars like Cher, who took a stand against the laws by refusing to perform at the opening ceremony for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Goulding tells The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s probably a no for Russia… I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there.”
The British star has previously challenged Russian officials over their decision to jail two members of punk group Pussy Riot for performing a protest song in a Moscow church. The singer called the sentencing “insanity” in a tweet.