Elton John
Elton John's music has been branded "the devil's work" by a Russian Islamic imam calling for a ban on his Moscow and Kazan concerts in December.
The openly homosexual singer came under fire from the religious leader, who has appealed to fans to boycott the star's concert after he spoke out about the country's anti-gay laws banning the promotion of homosexuality.
Imam Seidzhagfar Lutfulli - who is from Russia's predominantly Muslim Tartarstan region - criticised Elton's marriage to husband David Furnish and warned that concert-goers would be punished by God, in statements made public on Thursday (03.10.13).
He fumed: "Sodomy ... is what the world famous homosexual Elton John, who recently wed a man in public, is promoting.
"Divine retribution for taking part in a hotbed of sodomy will fall both on those who attend the concert and those who perform there."
Elton is a firm supporter of gay rights, and previously said he would defend the cause during his Russian tour, an offence which could see him jailed for 15 days in prison and slapped with 5,000 roubles ($150) fine.
Just last week, the 66-year-old musician was targeted by another Russian religious group, the Christian group Union of Orthodox Brotherhoods, who also wanted the upcoming gigs axed.
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