On Thursday, Russia’s General Prosecutor announced a ban on the Elton John AIDS Foundation, alleging that it holds a negative view towards nations like Russia that uphold “traditional spiritual and moral values.”
The prosecutor’s office specified that the ban targets two non-governmental organizations, one based in the United States and the other in the United Kingdom, both named the “Elton John AIDS Foundation.” These organizations have been officially classified as “undesirable.”
Founded by the British singer and songwriter, Elton John, the foundation has previously held sold-out concerts in Russia and has publicly condemned what he describes as the unacceptable discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals by Russian authorities.
President Vladimir Putin has dismissed these claims, portraying Russia as a defender of “traditional values” engaged in a fundamental conflict with a morally declining West.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
The prosecutor’s office stated on its official Telegram channel, “When a musician collaborates with democracy promoters, it results in propaganda. If Elton John is at the piano, it transcends mere anti-Russian propaganda.”
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The office further claimed that the NGOs are involved in a coordinated information campaign by the “collective West” aimed at undermining traditional values and heightening social tensions.
In a separate statement on its website, the prosecutor’s office criticized the foundation for advocating “non-traditional sexual relationships, Western family structures, and gender reassignment.”
While not providing specific examples, the statement also accused the foundation of participating in a Western initiative to “discredit Russia” regarding its military actions in Ukraine, which the prosecutor referred to as a “special military operation.”
