Years and Years, the UK band known for hits like “King” and “Shine”, have revealed that their latest music video has been censored in Russia after lead singer Olly Alexander is shown sharing a kiss with another man.
Speaking at the Capital FM Summertime Ball, where the band where performing in front of a crowd of 80,000 fans, Olly said that a Russian fan had recently got in touch and made him aware of the censorship.
“Someone got in touch with me just yesterday from Russia saying that they play it, but they blur out the bit when I kiss another guy”, he said.
The Music Video, for the bands single “Desire“, was intended to be “A joyful expression of sexiness and sexuality” by the band, and although the video was supported by fans all over the world, it is illegal in Russia to be seen to be promoting an LGBT+ lifestyle, leading to the kiss being blurred.
Olly, though, who is gay himself and has in the past spoken out in support of Stonewall’s campaign to stop bullying, isn’t taking it to heart, and has somehow managed to see the positive side of the situation. “It’s interesting to have a dialogue with everyone online. It’s been a really good and positive thing.”
Russia and its government has been Criticised in the passed for its homophobic laws
You can see the video for the song, which features Tove Lo, below.
Olly opened up about his mental health and his sexuality in a candid and heartfelt interview with Guardian Columnist Owen Jones, which can be found here, and Years & Years have previously revealed that they will start work on their second album, a follow up to 2015s Number 1 album Communion, later this year.
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