On today’s show we took ourselves to two very different parts of the world, starting with a party at a Moscow, nightclub which is pretty much a novelty on its own!
Now generally speaking Russians are not exactly renowned for fun and letting off steam, but news has just emerged of a Russian TV presenter and actress, Anastasia Ivleeva causing more than a stir with the powers that be, after hosting a pre-Christmas bash at the Moscow nightclub, MUTABOR.
The stated dress code for guests was to turn up almost naked – a bit risqué given the local temperatures at this time of the year, but in spite of this top Russian celebrities, influencers and socialites turned up – some of whom were sporting very revealing clothes or in some cases, just their underwear.
One rapper, known as VACIO, turned up just wearing a sock – and it wasn’t on his foot!
The revelries went down like a pork chop in a synagogue with pro government lawmakers, propagandists and military bloggers who’ve accused those behind the event in less than flattering terms.
The organiser herself has borne the brunt of the criticism and may yet face prosecution.
Shortly after Russia first invaded Ukraine she called for peace, since when she has kept her head down until the nightclub fracas.
Now she’s been forced to post a tearful 20-minute apology to her 18 million Instagram followers, saying she regretted the party and asking people to give her a “second chance.”
Having rather drawn attention to herself though, ANASTAYSIA, is now facing an investigation by federal tax authorities which “has every chance” of leading to a criminal prosecution.
It has also been reported that she is also being sued for 1 billion rubles ($11 million) by 22 unnamed entities for “moral damage” caused by her soiree, with any award money to be donated to a war fund.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, an ardent war supporter and Putin ally, called the gathering “satanic” and demanded that attendees posting apologies prove their “sincerity” by taking part in a military training course in Chechnya.
Meanwhile VACIO, the man wearing just a sock, was arrested, fined the equivalent of $2000, and sentenced to 15 days by a Moscow court, for taking part in a party that promoted “non-traditional sexual relationships.”
Russia recently outlawed the LGBTQ movement as extremist.
Meanwhile Mr Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the shindig, although the Russian foreign ministry said those who took part had been “stained”.
It comes at a time when the president is doubling down on social conservatism ahead of March’s election.
From the Russian Cold Steppes, we took a trip to Mexico to meet up with THE SISTERS OF THE VALLEY, a group of “nuns” to be found disporting themselves around fires whilst puffing away on weed.
Apparently this is all part of a campaign aimed at persuading the Mexican government to legalise the production of cannabis.
Personal possession of the drug is already legal in Mexico – but due to major production being largely controlled by criminal gangs, it’s all a bit of a legal minefield.
As the country is 75% Catholic, the image of nuns puffing away on joints doesn’t exactly go down too well with some of the locals.
Not surprisingly the “sisters” are cautious about giving away too much detail about the location of their business premises.
Nevertheless every weekend they can be found tending their plants in old paint pots and storing their modest crop in old coffee jars. .
When they have enough, the stuff, which produces an annual income for them of around $10,000, is hidden from the gaze of the local police and potential gang members, behind closed curtains and in walled-off gardens.
Wonder what other habits they may be keeping hidden!
On that note I think I’ll leave you til tomorrow at the same time,
Scott
