Charli XCX Addresses Backlash Over Berlin Afterparty Organizer’s Alleged Russian Ties

British singer Charli XCX has addressed criticism regarding her attendance at a Berlin afterparty connected to an organizer with alleged ties to the Russian government. The controversy arose following the premiere of her mockumentary, The Moment, at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The Afterparty and Allegations

Following the February 14th screening of The Moment, an afterparty was organized by Anastasia Shevtsova, also known professionally as Petit, a Russian model, and DJ. Reports from Forbes and United24 Media allege that Shevtsova is the daughter of Zhanna Shevtsova, the founder of the “Traditsiya” foundation.

“Traditsiya” has been accused of collaborating with Putin’s Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and operating projects in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, including Donetsk, Luhansk, and Mariupol. The foundation’s stated goal, according to United24 Media, is to integrate these territories into a “single cultural, educational, enlightenment, and civilizational space” with Russia.

Charli XCX’s Response

On Thursday, February 19th, Charli XCX released a statement via her Instagram Story addressing the concerns. Billboard reports she stated, “For clarity, neither me nor my team were aware of any of the alleged affiliations around the party in Berlin.” She further added, “I would like to take this opportunity to say I stand against the atrocities committed by the Russian government in Ukraine and I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”

Anastasia Shevtsova’s Response

Anastasia Shevtsova also released a statement on Instagram, as reported by Billboard, denying any connections to the conflict. She stated that her family members reside in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, and that the tragedy deeply affects her personally, asserting she would “never wish harm, violence, or suffering on anyone.”

About The Moment

The Moment, directed by Aidan Zamiri and starring Charli XCX, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January before its showing at the Berlin International Film Festival. Billboard noted a review from Rolling Stone critic David Fear, who described the film as a parody of the “nonstop mayhem of a world tour centered around a hedonistic yet sensitive artist.”