Scandal at the circus festival: Ukrainian artist Anna Petrenko protested against the Russian jury

Anna Petrenko's scandalous performance at the International Salieri Circus Award festival

At the international circus festival International Salieri Circus Award in Verona, Italy, a real scandal broke out. Ukrainian artist Anna Petrenko took the stage, wrapped in a blue-yellow flag, with posters, protesting against one of the jury members - Maxim Nikulin, the son of the legendary Soviet actor Yuri Nikulin.

Reasons for the protest

Anna Petrenko noted that Maxim Nikulin supports the policy of the Kremlin and the war against Ukraine. One of her posters read in English: "Nikulin supports the invasion of Ukraine, " and the other depicted a Russian in the company of probably Russian occupiers in military uniform. Petrenko also distributed leaflets with this information to the audience.

Reaction of the organizers and disqualification

The head of the festival, Antonio Jarola, quickly came out to the audience with an apology and declared that he was not involved in the actions of the Ukrainian artist. He emphasized that he was not aware of her intentions and disqualified Petrenko from the contest. Jarola explained that the festival was supposed to be a symbol of unity, and the invitation of judges from different countries was to emphasize this intention.

Answer by Anna Petrenko

Commenting on her performance on Instagram, Anna Petrenko noted:

"I did not know that for the first time since the festival was founded, a representative of the aggressor country, Russia, would be invited to the jury. Through my speech, I express my dissatisfaction and call this decision of the organizers an attempt to rehabilitate the image of Russia, the aggressor in the war against Ukraine."

Consequences and significance of the event

This incident caused a violent reaction both among the audience and in social networks. Anna Petrenko's actions received the support of many users who admire her courage. However, the organizers of the festival insist that the contest should remain outside of politics and serve as a symbol of unity.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk