Charli XCX Supports Ukraine in Response to Berlin Party Coordinator’s Alleged Connections to Russia
Charli XCX’s film The Moment is making waves on the festival circuit, but the pop artist’s transition into acting has sparked some unexpected international controversy.
After the mockumentary premiered at the Berlin Film Festival last weekend, the three-time Grammy winner publicly expressed her support for Ukraine. She clarified that she was unaware of the alleged connections between the afterparty organizer, DJ Anastasia Shevtsova, and Russia.
“Hi everyone <3 For clarity, neither me nor my team were aware of any of the alleged affiliations around the party in Berlin," Charli posted on her Instagram Story. "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."
Charli’s remarks follow an article highlighting that Shevtsova’s mother, Zhanna Shevtsova, is the founder of Russia’s Tradition Foundation, known for its association with Vladimir Putin’s Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. The foundation has allegedly visited occupied Ukrainian territories since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
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In response, Anastasia Shevtsova, also known as Petit, has sought to distance herself from her mother’s purported affiliations. “In light of recent events, I feel it is important to say a few words,” she stated on Instagram. “My family members live in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The current tragedy affects me personally and deeply. I would never wish harm, violence, or suffering upon anyone. What is happening is heartbreaking for millions of families, including mine.”
Anastasia further explained, “For the past four years, I have lived and worked in Europe, focusing exclusively on my artistic work. I am not involved in politics or any activities connected to the conflict. I understand that emotions are intense and that many people are carrying immense pain. At the same time, I hope to be judged by my own actions and values, not by assumptions about people around me. My work is about art, connection, and humanity. I remain committed to those principles.”
Last month, Charli debuted The Moment at Sundance, a meta mockumentary that chronicles the journey of a rising star on her first arena tour, addressing the peculiarities of fame alongside the quest for personal identity and creative freedom.
