Elton John fails to meet Vladimir Putin
Despite previous plans to discuss LGBT issues, Elton John and the Russian president were unable to talk
“I very much hope we will find the time to meet in the future.”
—Sir Elton John speaking at his concert on Monday. The British singer was disappointed that he was not able to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin while in Moscow as a part of his world tour.
A year ago, Putin reached out to Elton John agreeing to meet with the singer and discuss gay rights. That came days after the British singer had been fooled by Russian comedians pretending to be the Russian president.
John has previously spoken out against Russia’s anti-gay policies and AIDS epidemic.
Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov stated “we were in correspondence with [Elton John] a couple of weeks ago, because there was an agreement that if their schedules allow, this meeting would take place.” However, no meeting took place.
While the singer was not able to talk with Putin while in Russia, he stated: “I’m deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia with him including LGBT rights and HIV and AIDS.”
The Kremlin also expressed that they will remain open to a meeting in the future. “This does not mean that such a meeting won’t take place next time,” Peskov stated.
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