It’s official: Esma Redzepova doesn’t hate the gays. In fact, she loves them.
On May 21 the Serbian tabloid ‘Kurir’ published a report attributing anti-gay statements to the Queen of Gypsy music. Earlier today the Macedonian press issued a rebuttal to that article. And now Russell Davies, the assistant head of delegation for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has issued an official response on behalf of Esma.
In a message sent to wiwibloggs earlier this evening, Davies described the story published by ‘Kurir’ as “a complete fabrication” and sought to distance the Queen of Gypsy music from the report and the quotations attributed to her.
Esma does not follow any of the Eurovision fan sites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. and was most distressed when she was told this morning of this false story. As a Romany she is particularly sensitive to the persecution of all minorities. She 100% supports the gay community, and has a strong belief that everyone may live their lives as they choose. Esma has many gay friends, whom she respects and supports. Her own personal principles are that all people should be free to make their own choices so they can live free, happy and fulfilled lives.
Esma’s management team are concerned about the damage this false story may cause to Esma’s personal and professional reputation. With this in mind we ask that all stories published on your respective websites relating to these falsehoods should be immediately amended and include this rebuttal.
The Serbian tabloid’s claim that Lozano feared being groped by gay men also appears to be a fabrication.
As far as Lozano is concerned, I can personally confirm that he enjoyed many evenings in both Euroclub and Eurocafe during his time in Malmo. He particularly enjoyed the Balkan Music Night and the Closing Party. Again the comments written about him in the ‘Kurir’ newspaper are utter nonsense!
‘Kurir’ has not yet responded to the response—but we’ll keep you posted.
I am happy that Esma denied the rumor! Stupid serbian press, why they mess with her? Makes no sence! Or maybe are antigypsy!
Wiwiblogs is not guilty, it just reported the article. But now it’s over!! Esma, sorry because I voted you atBarbara Dex prize. I should voted serbian trio! lol!
It was never reported as fact. It was reported as “According to Serbian press…” The Serbian press is the mainstream press, and then the blogs picked up on it, not the other way around.
Maybe all these websites that got themselves hysterical should of verified their facts first. Too many rumours this year being reported as fact. Stories about voting and discontent contestants. Repeated on these websites then picked up by the mainstream media as fact. Come on guys trash talking is harming the contest we are supposed to be fans of!