U.S. officials in Russia have received in
formation regarding threats of physical violence against performers and spectators at a pair of Madonna concerts this week, and are urging U.S. citizens to “remain vigilant.”
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg issued the warning on Tuesday for U.S. citizens in Russia that are planning to attend Madonna’s concerts in Moscow (Aug. 7) or in St. Petersburg (Aug. 9). The information has been shared with Russian authorities, who have indicated they will add increased security to the events.
While it is expected that security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas,” the message reads.
It’s unclear whether Madonna, on tour since late May, has been directly threatened or if U.S. officials have contacted her camp.
Madonna wraps the European leg of her “MDNA” tour on Aug. 21 in Nice, France and then heads to North America to perform through mid-November.
A South American leg begins in Colombia on Nov. 28 and will wrap on Dec. 22 in Argentina.
Also in the news, Elton John and Madonna’s rivalry seems to have gone to a new level. John has lashed out at Material Girl, calling her a “nightmare”.
“She’s such a nightmare. Her career is over, I can tell you that. Her MDNA tour has been a disaster and it couldn’t happen to a bigger [expletive],” people.com quoted John as saying.
“If Madonna had any common sense, she would have made a record like ‘Ray of Light’, stayed away from the dance stuff, and just been a great pop singer and made great pop records, which she does brilliantly. But no, she had to prove that she was like . . .And she looks like a [expletive] fairground stripper,” he added.
The veteran musician’s feud with Madonna, 53, has been going on for years. After John lost the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song to Madonna, Furnish publicly slammed her acceptance speech. (Agencies)