Ukraine Divided By Elton
An Elton John performance has raised $2.6 million to help fight AIDS in the Ukraine, but not everyone applauded the singer’s efforts.
A crowd of 200,000, including president Viktor Yushchenko, gathered in Kiev’s Independence Square to watch the free charity concert. It looked to help the 77,000 Ukranians estimated to be battling AIDS.
Yet religious groups have slammed John’s appearance.
“We believe that gay people are responsible for spreading AIDS,” declared Svyatoslav Domalevsky of The Union of Orthodox Citizens of Ukraine. “Elton John is gay and we don’t want him promoting that kind of lifestyle here.”
Elton John will soon return to London to appear at the Diana Tribute concert.
Date: June 18, 2007
Article: Elton John AIDS Concert Draws Praise, Criticism
Reference: Elton John
Reference: The Elton John AIDS Foundation
This entry was contributed by Lauren Katulka.
June 20th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Oh, very interesting, Lauren! Sounds like they were very divided and the half which did not receive Elton very well, seemed to be represented in large numbers. Makes you wonder — anyway, I heard they are planning quite a tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Whales. Who can believe it’s been ten years already since her death.