Grimes defends playing in Moscow amid LGBT boycott of Russia

Avant-pop musician, Grimes has opened up about her decision to perform in Russia later this week, following criticism from Gay Rights campaigners.

The singer, real name: Claire Boucher, will play a private show in Moscow in a few days time, promising to return for a bigger gig after the release of her next album. This move, however, has been controversial due to the passing of anti-LGBT laws in the country.

“Yes, I am playing in Moscow in 2 days and no, I do not feel bad about it,” Grimes has written on her Tumblr page. “I don’t think that denying and ignoring the gay community in Russia is cool.”

Boucher continued: “We are entering safely and it means the world to me to be returning to Russia. It doesn’t hurt the government if I refuse to tour there. Just regular people. So I don’t think it’s wrong to be doing this. Refusing to go to Russia would only hurt fans.”

You can read the full statement here.

[via Pitchfork]