A Swedish songwriter has told Aftonbladet that he is considering legal action against the EBU for allowing Belarus’ Alekseev to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.
Tim Norell told the Swedish tabloid: “I will talk to our lawyer about how to proceed and claim damages from the EBU and Belarusian television for fraudulent procedures.”
Tim, you’ll remember, worked with Ola Håkansson, Alexander Bard and Anders Hansson on the song “I Won’t Cry”, which Gunesh performed in Belarus’ national selection in February. Her bop about perseverance placed second behind Alekseev’s “Forever”.
Alekseev, the pre-contest favourite in Belarus, was at the centre of a storm leading up to the national final after it emerged that his song had been performed prior to September 1 — the official date when the EBU allows songs to be performed or released to compete in the current Eurovision cycle.
In January ESCWORLDCLUB — a Eurovision community with more than 50,000 subscribers — obtained and published a video of Alekseev performing the song on May 23, 2017 in the city of Stavropol. It later shared other videos from other performances.
They reported that he premiered the song a few days earlier inside Kyiv’s ‘Oktyabrsky Palace’ as part of “Drunken Sun” — his nationwide tour — and even issued a press release about the debut.
“Forever” — his Eurovision entry — is an English-language remake of his recent single “Navsegda” — which also means ‘forever’. The original is 3:45 long, but the Eurovision edit is shorter and features tweaks he made after discussions with the Belarusian broadcaster.
Several contestants signed an open letter calling on the broadcaster to remove him from the show, and one singer — Sofi Lapina — even withdrew in protest.
Speaking to wiwibloggs in January, Alekseev brushed the controversy aside, saying his earlier performances were experiments and that the current song has been reworked, so it isn’t actually the same song.
“I don’t think that it came out in May because it came out in September,” he said. “On my birthday performance in May, I tried to sing a part of the song ‘Navsegda’, but it was innovation and so I think it’s a different song.”
Speaking to Aftonbladet, Tim said the EBU must follow its own guidelines and regulations to create a fair playing field for songwriters.
“The EBU does not follow its own rules,” he said. “How, then, as a songwriter, will I know what is applicable? I’ll let our lawyer look at this.”
Aftonbladet pressed the EBU for a response, and received the following:
“As in previous years, it is up to each country’s broadcaster to elect an appropriate representative of the Eurovision Song Contest in May. The EBU and the host country’s television company will then ensure that all contributions comply with the competition rules. All potential contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest are reviewed by the EBU prior to the Head of Delegation’s meeting in March, to ensure that the songs follow the rules before they formally qualify for a contest. ”
That meeting will take place on Monday. Stay tuned.
Belarus should be DQ. Put in youtube search “v=Hpxx9TZgV8Y” – it has exactly the same melody as in Forever chorus.
This song from Sanremo 2016 has the same refrain as the song that is representing Italy this year:
https://youtu.be/fD6nar5Yb3U
They have the same melody and words. So if they disqualify Belarus they should do the same with Italy.
Damn, you are absolutely right. Not sure about the words, but melody of the chorus is indeed exactly the same in both songs. This should be definitely investigated.
Belarus should be disqualified due to plagiarism. Put in youtube search “??? ???? – ?????” – it’s exactly the same melody as chorus of Forever.
Italy should be disqualified without any doubt, because they just took the refrain from another song which was comercially released a few years ago and made a “new” song. That song has even been competing on another festival, so what are we talking about?
I believe that wiwi will report on this too? Right, Wiwibloggs? 🙂
I believe so. If they are unbiassed.
They did report on it. It was brought up during San Remo.
It was never commercially released my dude.
You only have to listen to the song Éclat by Alex Gaudreault to realise where Blanche got virtually the whole of City Lights from yet nobody batted an eyelid, so many double standards, I am surprised the EBU can keep track of which rule applies to which Country in which year as they all seem to be different in each case
I did listen and oh my god i did realize where Blanche got it from?? From her songwriter
You’re a genius.
To be fair, there are many songs that has the same lyric and/or sound structure as City Lights. You can’t just point a finger at Blanche and call her out when song like Lights (Ellie Goulding), All I Want (Kodaline), Tennis Court (Lorde), Born To Die (Lana Del Rey), and others more has the same lyric/sound structure.
Ah, it’s so obvious that the sonwriter just cares about his song being second..
I really don’t want Alekseev to be disqualified, I actually like his song ^^
Lukashenko forced to pick him up. That’s all. It’s a dictatorship. EBU is also very corrupted and very selective. Still remember Azerbaijan’s “victory”.
Yeah, we bought our victory, that’s the reason, not that the songs were quite bad that year. Azerbaijan planned a game and kicked out Armenia and Turkey, but the songs from Armenia and Turkey were top10 materials. Lol.
Many people here are happy to see him participate, so he crash so hard in the semi. Please, “Story of My Life” is much better and winning material than “Forever”.
That’s true. Honestly, I hope EBU lets Alekseev participate so he can crash hard in the Semi.
I really hope Wiwibloggs will not turn into The Eurovision Bureau of Investigations. Finding dirt on certain contestants, influencing the mass and all… 🙂 ?
The great board of WiWiSamaritans should be fair to all… not only the few they don’t like. Cheers.
WiWi readers are interested in anything going around regarding ESC. If you feel sorry for thief Alekseev and dictator Lukashenko, then just stop reading this news. Do you feel ashamed?
I guess, people just find this Belarus-bashing unfair due to the history of Italy’s song, not to mention 1944.
But I agree that wiwi should report on it.
If Alekseev should get DQ’ed, Ganseh should go to Lisbon.
Yes! But there will be the little problem of finding someone named Ganseh!
LOL
I hope he will remain,because his song is very good. I think that his withdraw after a month would be a wrong decision.
Eurovision Drama Contest.
You all are just salty that mess of a song wasn’t sent.
ALEKSEEV will produce a top 15 result (minimum) and his vocals will be flawless in Lisbon. Staging will be fantastic too, he is a potential winner whether you like it or not.
I actually like Alekseevs’ song. The melody brings you in, I feel I’ve heard it somewhere before but I don’t care because I enjoy it. The live performance could be improved I guess, but I have to say I enjoy it a lot more than some other forgettable songs like Belgium or Croatia. It’s definitely in my Top 10, admittedly in the lower positions but that’s not bad. Belarus are heading in the right direction – I approve!
I gotta say, with Cyprus and Belarus, I just don’t get it. I can concede that a lot of this year’s songs are good for what they are, they simply are not for me. But those two? I don’t see their appeal at all. Cyprus’ fast food “banger” doesn’t even have a chorus. All I remember is Fuego times 1000. Aren’t those “bangers” y’all love dancing to in your clubs supposed to have a killer chorus? And Belarus actually depresses me. Its’ melody. All I hear is “da-da-da-da. da-da-da-da.” over and over again.
Well if they’re not for you you should just not listen/watch them at Eurovision. When Estonias song comes on that will be my toilet break. That’s the good thing about Eurovision. Different types of music all coming together. At least you remember something from the song, when a show of 26 songs come on recap and you remember the title of the song… that’s a good sign. So yeah, everyone has different opinions, get over it.
I think you don’t understand me. I am not a fanboy, I do not have to get over anything. And I of course won’t listen to them. But I am still interested in understanding things. So it interests me what people see in something where I don’t see anything at all. Because in a lot of songs where I see nothing it all I can still see their appeal to many others.
Why are you so interested in understanding what *other* people feel about a certain song? It’s just an opinion, let it go. Get on with your life, don’t try and understand what other people think – especially over the internet. People act and think in different ways. It’s human nature. Let it go.
Jeez, t’s called exchanging opinions. You may not be an apt counterpart for that so it really is best to let this one go.
But you’re critisising anothers’ opinion. Your initial comment was so negative. Nothing constructive or attempt to understand. You’re fighting a losing battle here, so yes, as I said, let it go.
Not a fanboy? Maybe a manboy?
Now that, I am indeed. 🙂 As it pertains to Eurovision, I insist on being a follower, not a fan. Fandom is not my thing. I follow things I like and/or am interested in, but I am not a fan of anything, actually.
Although the term follower might also imply fandom. Maybe observer is the right term. You have to excuse me, English is my third language. 😛
Clearly you haven’t listen him singing it in live. His singing ability is just horrendous.
It feels like an eternity since the last leak happened… What’s up with Russia? It doesn’t have to be their own song, even. 🙁
Yulia probably still waiting for 1 Channel to write a song for her.
lol probably something like “Blaze is glimmering”
omg i cackled.
“A Candle is Shining”
I’m hoping more like butter is churning ala poland 2014
Off topic here but according to Cyprus’ entry this year, Eleni herself stated that the MV was quite “tame” when it came to her style and that they didn’t want to give away any of the choreography for it and that it’ll be explosive on stage. I think with a good stage presence she can go very high – a possible Top 3, but don’t think it will be our winner! Only time will tell.
Eleni will be another Ivi Adamou, lots of choreo, out of key for 80% of the song. And an uphill battle for top 15 as a result
An uphill battle for the final, even. Way uphill.
Uphill battle for the final? Erm, just have a look at what countries are in the 1st semi and you’ll understand that Cyprus is a 100% qualifier. Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Israel… even Iceland will land Cyprus points. Qualification from the semi is assured. As for being another Ivi Adamou.. just no. Ivi was known to be extremely pitchy even before Eurovision and her English pronunciation was horrendous, plus she was an amateur. With Eleni we’re talking about a seasoned professional, the biggest female popstar in Greece imo.
Alrighty. I happen to think that Helena Paparizou dodged a bullet when rejecting this song.
This song is very Helena Paparizou-esque. In parts I can hear the influence the producer (Alex P.) has by what Helena has sung in the past. I’m sure she loved the song, but she has other commitments. She’s relevant again in Greece, and she’s also a judge on The Voice of Greece so I don’t think she’d let that gig go so easily for Eurovision. I have a feeling she’ll represent Cyprus next year at Eurovision which won’t be a bad move for her tbh.
I’ve heard some of Eleni live performances, they’re more tragic than Ivi ever was.
That gentleman is not objective, as a song’s producer he only wants his song to be in Lisbon. In my opinion what’s done it’s done and he only wants some publicity. As long as EBU allowed it, then it’s eligible. With or without controversy, Alekseev is the only chance for Belarus to qualify into the grand final, and the Belarusian TV knows it, that’s why they’ve been so supportive all the way…
Shuma was their only solid chance.
Alekseev can possibly qualify, but only if the staging is immense (something similar to what Ivan had in 2016) and if he is singing in tune
is there going to be no posts about the upcoming lithuanian final???????
Nope. Probably another Saaara poll, not a Lithuanian.
Maybe they can do a post like what does christer bjorkman think of Saara aalto’s reactions to Lithuanian NF songs. But you would need for Saara to react to them first.
Rules are rules. This song shouldn’t have been allowed to compete in the Belarusian selection in the first place. Oh well… It’s not going to make the final anyway.
This makes me ashamed of being swedish..
Don’t be. Swedes are so cute. Well, not this songwriter. But a lot of Swedes.
Lol
It seems there is no one reading the EBU rules at all, otherwise there would not have been all the delirium written about the violations on the part of the EBU in the case of Jamala, Anya and other participants mentioned before. For especially lazy, I will quote the text: The compositions (lyrics and music) must not have been commercially released before 1 September of the year preceding the competition. In case the composition has been made available to the public, for example, but not limited to, on online video platforms, social networks or (semi-) publicly accessible databanks, the Participating… Read more »
Hear hear! 🙂
Good to know EBU isn’t breaking its own rules. It seems they are assessing the entries on a case by case basis, so I guess that is what happened with other entries mentioned here as well.
Dear colleagues!
My name is Masha Kalesnikava, i am a music journalist from Minsk. Here is an article about Alekseev’s win in Belarus and short investigation of the jury work. More news at the topic you may find at https://euroradio.fm/en/why-eurovision-selection-tour-jury-voting-secret-belarus
OFF TOPIC: SuRie’s “Storm” music video is out and Yianna Terzi’s “Oniro Mou” will be premiered on March 8.
People are saying nasty things about SuRie’s video. 🙁
Belarus is still a country of corruption – please listen – I’am saying this very clear not all of citizens are corrupt, but it’s still there – you have to understand that. –
We ESC fans over the world had expected the EBU and the Reference Group to put everything right and under the current rules they have to take action, at least to open up an official investigation on Monday, march 12.
Let’s not forget about the whole Litesound/Alyona Lanskaya drama from 2012. Who knows what the results were this time?
BTRC, the Belarusian national broadcaster had ruled that Alekseev was eligible to compete in the country’s “National Selection Process” for Eurovision 2018. Alekseev had made some little changes to the melody of his song “Forever”.
In February one singer had withdrawn from Belarus’ national selection following BTRC not disqualifying Alekseev last month. Sophia Lapina stated that the reason for her withdrawal was because fellow contestant Alekseev hadn’t been disqualified from the “National Selection Process” furthermore for breaking current ESC rules.
At that time further six artists signed a petition to get him disqualified.
Got new scoop from bnt twitter , the music label that is producing the Bulgarian entry is also producing the Austrian entry. Hype is real.
Didn’t we know that already?
Two flops for the price of one.
That same label has been doing it for the past 2 years….nothing new.
Looks like they are making someone very rich for the past 2 years. Do they even let other independent artist or other labels to take their chances?
It really bothers me that some countries always work with same people and formulate their entries as if it’s the only way. I don’t like the fact that Eurovision selections are turning into a market that people racing each other to make profit. I should be about music and showcasing one’s local talents, not about “dream teams”.
Honestly, the “scoop” I’m more interested in is the fact that in their announcement in Bulgarian they said they are introducing the preformerS and THEIR song
They already said that two performers are representing them. Where is the scoop there?
I don’t like Belarusian entry at all – it’s at the bottom of my list.
That being said – he was allowed to compete in the nf and he won that nf. And that’s pretty much it – does he need to be disqualify? Jamala was allowed to compete with her entry even though she perforemed her song before the 1.9., last year French song was also released earlier. If those two weren’t disqualified I don’t think Alekseev should be.
Except those two examples you gave are of songs being performed in a country that can’t vote for the song at ESC!
This song has been performed in Ukraine and Russia both of which can and will vote for Belarus considering it would make it out of Semi.
Jamala premiered only a snippet of her chorus in crimean tatar, the version was far from what we had heard at the NF back then. Yes, it’s the violation of the rule. The only difference is that Alekseev made a song release unlike Jamala, his violation is closer to Italian situation
Did he release the song commercially before September 2017?
Well fortunately Russia and Ukraine are in different semifinal than Belarus!
It’s obvious he is only saying this because his song came 2nd. Doubt there’d be much uproar for him if he came 3rd and still didn’t ethics to go to Lisbon.
The real question about Belarus is: Which teeth whitener is he using? Somebody investigate, please.
I could use it …
Now finally someone is asking real questions here 😀
I know, right?! 😛
People say that ALEKSEEV bought the whole country in order to participate in the Belarus national selection. I want to marry the guy! 🙂 He must be very rich…
Be careful though and investigate how he got rich, before you marry him. Marrying for money can backfire badly. Ask Melania. 😛
lmao Melania 😀 *sips tea*
lol
I could ask wiwibloggs to investigate for me. They are good in finding things. 🙂
Thanks to William for reporting.
As he stated, perhaps the real decision will come on Monday, so “stay tuned”. 🙂
As many pointed out, the EBU rarely follows its own rules. Sweden, too, was lucky to get away with an obvious case of plagiarism when Friends practically sang an English version of Lisa del Bo’s “Liefde is een kartspeel”…
I appreciate though that the Swedish songwriter is thinking about taking action against this. It’s all in all not right and not fair.
They do follow their unofficial rules: Always, always follow the money and stay silent on any controversy until it either blows over or the outrage gets so big that they are forced to issue some half-a.s.s. statement. 🙂 In 2016, they did Romania a favor though in ensuring that their 100% qualification record remained.
The Tolmachevy Sisters are Alekseev’s Backing Vocalists
Maybe they’ll make the song less depressing. Although I suppose they won’t be able to change its tiring melody, either.
Oh, trying to get points from Russia, what a flopstar
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that as they’re in two different semi finals and at least the Belorussian song should definitely stay there.
Oh good, maybe those poor girls can experience Eurovision without the boos and hatred they had to endure in 2014
They appeared in the Opening of SF1 in 2009
Is this sarcasm or you know that for sure? Are you part of his team? How do you know that?
I saw the girls on the stage during Alekseev’s Performance in the National Final.
Yeah… I like Alekseev’s song, and want to be entertained by him in Lisbon. I even wish him to win it all. 🙂
1944 was performed on tv in spring 2015, sound of silence had product placement in the song, norway was able to use playback on stage, etc. EBU has rules but none of enforced. While I like some of these songs, I agree they should uphold their own rules. Or axe them altogether because they clearly don’t matter.
That’s the first time I heard that 1944 was broadcast on TV!! I thought it was a small concert
Have you got any source?
There’s this link by YouTube, I don’t know if it was broadcasted but that QHA Crimean News Agency Logo at the corner gives me doubts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drEOyIE3qKw
The “yasiligima toyalmadim” part is very blatant.
Still love Jamala and “1944” though.
But the video seems to be a phone recorded one!
1944 wasn’t published until the national selection, it was a small concert performance of a small snippet (crimean tatar chorus) of the demo version of this song
It wasn’t on tv, it was a private event commemorating the deportation
Oh come one, let’s pretend that everything is fine and Belarus doesn’t AGAIN violate the rules. If they don’t apply to everyone, why rules exist?
Same was with Jamala….
To be honest, I prefer Alekseev and his song over Gunash’s.. He is an interesting artist and would like to see him on the Eurovision stage.
I’d love to see him crash in the Semi. Sorry not sorry. LOL
It is not just about being earlier performed, it is about whether that earlier performance gives it an advantage or not. Jamala couldnt give it an advantage because it was performed in a Ukrainian club. And Ukraine can’t vote for itself. Plus it was not commercialy released either
That’s true, the song was not released. But the political statement about “1944” being “Our Crimea”? That’s way hard to explain, specially in the aftermath of Russia’s annexation of Crimea. But in the end, there was no advantage for Jamala in the contest, plus it’s 2018, can we just let it go?
So are we gonna pretend Jenifer Brening from San Marino didn’t plagiarize Margartet’s song?
And honestly, we can tell Belarus’ broadcaster wanted Alekseev and Alekseev only to represent them. Why didn’t they just internally select him? It would’ve saved them a lot of headaches.
Swedish songwriters blown on Eurovision?Hotar sue the EBU: “Appease for damages for fraudulent proceedings”?A Swedish songwriter team threatens to sue the EBU after blowing in a seat in Eurovision.?“I will talk to our lawyer about how to proceed and claim damages from EBU and Belarusian television for fraudulent procedures,” said Tim Norell.?Tim Norell , Ola Håkansson and Alexander Bard have written the song that came second in the Belarusian version of Eurovision. But the winner has violated the EBU rules of the Radio and Television Union and should therefore be disqualified. According to the EBU rules , a song to… Read more »
THE EBU and THE REFERENCE GROUP have to take action !
So, was FOREVER released commercially before September 1, 2017?
It seems NOT.
Last year they allowed Norway to use digital voice sounds , 2016 we had the same story with jamala …..its like watching Bulgarian politics on Eurovision scale , alot of rules and noone cares about them and 0 control over that … sad.
Denmark 2017 called.
One set of breaking the rules for everyone!
Belarus/Alekseev will compete with the song in question, otherwise EBU will just show its incompetence and favoring some countries (Denmark in this case + Norway 2017 with the voice in the backtrack).
And also, to not forget, the very own Jamala and the samr controversy about 1944.
So, the Swedish guy here can shut up.
Alekseev should be disqualified for the fact that his song is a) awful, b) similar to K.Meladze song (”100 shagov nazad”)
Sweden 2015 called.
An awful winner copy-paste song.
Enough.
I’m bored with this, but I just realized something: The only songs that are not out there yet are the ones from Austria, Bulgaria, Israel, Ireland, Macedonia, Russia and Georgia. Only seven more chances for a truly outstanding song. I am counting out Ireland, though, based on what we know so far.
Alekseev said. “On my birthday performance in May, I tried to sing a part of the song ‘Navsegda’, but it was innovation and so I think it’s a different song.”
He’s lying. The song was performed only in May 2017 at least three times COMPLETELY in his commercial tour: in Kiev, Stavropol, Krasnodar.
What is the purpose of this public lie?
You are right. They lies us about Australia , non EBU full members ( one year as guest on 60 th aniversary of contest 2015 , aond only second time if they win Eurovision 2015). They allow lesbian kiss (Finland 2013, and not allow same thing for Russia 2003 , we had man kiss in interval act same year 2013). They don t allow Belarus song 2011 ,because song is performed before EBU deadline, and allow same for Ukraine 2016, France 2017, now Belarus 2018. They allow political songs 2 times Ukraine 2005,2016.
About the matter of Gunesh winning had Alekseev not participated!! I don’t think she would have won considering Shuma came so close to Alekseev in the televote and the only reason they got so low marks by the jury was because they genuinely had the chance to get higher televote than Alekseev and the corrupt jurors were aware of that. But in the current setting and the rules set forth by the Belarussian NF….Gunesh did finish second and in the event that EBU disqualifies Forever should get the chance to sing for Belarus. But seeing that Belarussian broadcaster didn’t care… Read more »
Yes DSQ this trash and let Shuma participate ? #ArtFTW
DO IT, CYKA!
The case with Anja , Jamala and Alma are all different from these because The EBU is supposed to evaluate whether the early release gave the song an advantage! In this Bealrus case….this early release was done in two different countries than the one the singer is attempting to represent and was also apparently released on a Russian sharing service with over 20 million people on it. This is hugely different from 1000 people in the singer’s own country having watched/heard the song before the due date.People from one’s own country can’t vote for the song but from other countries… Read more »
Double standard. Italian song was just a different song from years ago, and Meta/Moro said without any sign of guilt that : ”we just wanted to keep what that song had best”. These Italians can’t imagine that what they did was wrong, because their brain can’t understand rules.
Can you explain wherein the double standard lies??
I already have explained how releasing a song in a different country than the one you intend to represent makes the case in Belarus different from all the others.
Also if the Italian original song was commercially released and even in the final edit contains those parts … I’ll be quite vocal in saying that this is unfair and needs replacement.But I don’t know the answer to either of those two things right now and hence can’t denounce Italy at the moment.
Seems like this rule isn‘t good enough.
They should clarify it as if your song has been performed before, doesn‘t matter if it‘s in russian, french, suahili, mandarin etc. it is not eligible to participate in ESC.
You give me Kizunguzungu eh eh eh….basi si mama uwe uwe!
Maybe San Marino can come up with an English version and participate next year
Yes. And in addiction her song was political and has a big part an old traditional song. Her song break three eurovision rule! But, who cares?
It’s irrelevant whether or not Gunesh would have won in an alternate universe.
It’s irrelevant what chances Gunesh would have had in the at Eurovision.
It’s irrelevant whether or not Forever is a good song.
Jamala performed the song one year earlier. Period.
Leave Aleksev alone. God, you are so afraid of his song.
I mean not you yourself, Mattias Sollerman, but people everywhere.
How can some ESC fans don’t see that Alekseev has so many chances, otherwise he will not be so attacked.
It’s highly unlikely that Belarus will pass through semi 1 which seems to have gotten the better songs and has more competing nations.
That said negative comments doesn’t mean the song is good … it’s usually the opposite. Last year Spain sent a corrupt winner to ESC…. faced a lot of flak and deservedly finished last in the final.By your argument Spain must have had a lot of chances to win??
No people speak up against corruption and will do so irrespective of the quality of song.
Belarus will not finish last of course….but it’s not likely to qualify.
“Belarus will not finish last of course….but it’s not likely to qualify”
Says who? I will vote for Belarus this year. They picked a good song and a cool performer. That Gunesh or whatever didn’t impress me… 🙂
As you can see previously….says me.
Great….that you’d vote for it.
I never said Gunesh would have qualified.
Probably none of them would have but atleast Khmarki was something new.
Belarus has a good song. Get out of your bubble.
Well considering more people think the song lies in the average-bad spectrum….i’d say it’s you who is in a bubble.
Belarus has a good pile of crap in Alekseev
Hi Pavel, may I ask what songs do you like this year? just curious. Cheers
Me – I like Albania, Belgium, Belarus, Switzerland, Germany, Ukraine, Croatia.
I hope EBU lets him participate, if he crashes in the Semi, it would be so delicious to watch. If he qualifies, well, nothing much happens.
If he EBU wanted to disqualify Alekseev, they would have already done it and they surely didn’t do it without a valid reason. Sorry, but if you want to disqualify Alekseev, then you need to send Ermal and Fabrizio home as well, as their song is not original. But well, who cares about Belarus? If the same thing happened in Italy with an Italian artist, no one would have even tried to protest.