Russian TV Celebrities Cause Outrage in Amsterdam with Their Stage Appearance

The presence of two Russian television celebrities, Vladimir Pozner and Ivan Urgant, in Amsterdam for a live event has stirred controversy in the Netherlands. The event, titled “The Travels of Pozner and Urgant,” features the two men reflecting on their travel experiences around the world.

Despite being billed as apolitical, the event has been overshadowed by politics, with critics condemning the presence of what they call Russian propagandists on European stages during Moscow’s war on Ukraine. The Amsterdam theater hosting the event has faced backlash for allowing the celebrities to profit from their performances in Europe, with some calling it a betrayal of the Ukrainians who fled to the Netherlands due to Moscow’s invasion.

Outside the Theater Amsterdam, around 25 protesters, some draped in Ukrainian flags, voiced their opposition to the event, chanting slogans like “Shame on you” and “Russia is a terrorist state.” Attendees arriving at the theater were met with the sight of protesters, with some taking photos and others engaging in heated discussions over glasses of wine.

While some attendees expressed disapproval of the war, others defended their decision to attend the show, citing their negative views on the conflict. Both Pozner and Urgant have faced scrutiny for their stance on the war, with Urgant posting a message against war on social media and Pozner suggesting that the West shares responsibility for the conflict.

Despite the controversy, Theater Amsterdam has stood by its decision to host the event, emphasizing its commitment to freedom of speech and creative expression. The theater stated that the performers’ program is unrelated to the war and aims to provide a peaceful and free atmosphere for the audience.

Inside the theater, attendees like Olga, a Ukrainian woman who relocated to Amsterdam due to the war, expressed mixed feelings about the event. While she had been a long-time fan of Pozner and Urgant, learning about Pozner’s support for the war left her feeling embarrassed and conflicted.

The event has sparked a debate on the intersection of entertainment and politics, highlighting the complexities of hosting controversial figures in a time of conflict. Despite the backlash, the show continues its European tour, prompting discussions on the role of celebrities in times of crisis.