Story perspectives

Over 50 Call for Anna Netrebko's Removal Amid Controversy

8/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Over 50 Ukrainian writers, UK MPs, and a former New Zealand prime minister called for the removal of soprano Anna Netrebko from the Royal Ballet and Opera due to alleged ties to Vladimir Putin.
Critics describe her as a "symbol of cultural propaganda" for a regime accused of war crimes.
Netrebko has faced criticism for her past support of Russian separatists and failure to condemn Russian actions in Ukraine.
In March 2022, she issued a statement condemning the war, asserting her past actions were misinterpreted.

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Story summary

Over 50 Ukrainian writers, UK MPs, and a former New Zealand prime minister called for the removal of soprano Anna Netrebko from the Royal Ballet and Opera due to alleged ties to Vladimir Putin.
Critics describe her as a "symbol of cultural propaganda" for a regime accused of war crimes.
Netrebko has faced criticism for her past support of Russian separatists and failure to condemn Russian actions in Ukraine.
In March 2022, she issued a statement condemning the war, asserting her past actions were misinterpreted.