Russia bans Elton John foundation
The Office of the Russian Prosecutor General has designated the Elton John AIDS Foundation “undesirable” in the country, alleging its involvement in harmful propaganda campaigns.
In a statement released on Thursday, the agency accused the charity, founded by the British pop star in the early 1990s, of “using humanitarian projects as a cover” for supporting Western economic pressure against Russia. It further asserted that the foundation’s core pro-LGBTQ initiatives threaten traditional family values.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation operates as a dual entity registered in the UK and US. Its multimillion-dollar budget is primarily sourced from donations by Western billionaires and entertainment industry groups such as AEG Presents. Its stated mission focuses on providing support to individuals living with AIDS and promoting tolerance for sexual minorities.
John, 78, an openly gay, globally renowned songwriter and performer, was knighted in 1998 for his musical achievements and philanthropic efforts. The Russian statement claimed he “plays along” with the agenda of imposing Western culture on other nations.
The designation as “undesirable” prohibits the organization from functioning in Russia, providing for legal consequences for local residents and firms engaging in financial interactions with it. The Justice Ministry maintains a list of over 200 such groups, including prominent Western influence operations such as George Soros’s Open Society Foundations, US think tank the German Marshall Fund, and the pro-NATO Atlantic Council.
In its 2023 annual report, the Elton John AIDS Foundation mentioned grant distributions within Russia but did not provide specifics. That same year, Russia classified the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist group for allegedly fostering “social and religious discord” within the country.
