While not banned outright, the uncut version of this Eurovision entry faced severe restrictions. The video celebrates Central Asian immigrant aesthetics, plus-size bodies, and traditional feminine strength. Russian state TV demanded cuts to any shots showing “unpatriotic” symbols or “provocative” body hair. The uncensored director’s cut was labeled “LGBTQ+ propaganda” by some regional courts because it includes a brief shot of two women holding hands in a crowd.
Censorship of music videos in has escalated significantly in recent years, driven by a tightening legal framework that targets content deemed "extremist," "immoral," or "harmful to traditional values". This has led to the removal of thousands of videos from streaming platforms and heavy fines for broadcasters who air even minor depictions of prohibited themes. Key Legal Drivers of Bans
Unlike Western ratings systems (PG-13, R, etc.) which are advisory, Russia’s bans are legally enforceable under several federal laws: banned uncensored uncut music videos russia
Videos by "foreign agent" artists (like Morgenshtern or Oxxxymiron) that criticize the government or the conflict in Ukraine are frequently restricted.
This has created a paradoxical underground for LGBTQ+ artists. In the West, a music video featuring a same-sex couple is standard fare; in Russia, it is an act of civil disobedience. The "uncut" version of these videos often exists only on VPN-accessed YouTube channels or Telegram groups. The ban here is an attempt to erase identity. By forcing artists to censor their love lives to fit a heteronormative mold, the state tries to push the LGBTQ+ community back into the shadows of the post-Soviet era. While not banned outright, the uncut version of
The landscape of music in Russia has shifted dramatically in recent years, with "banned, uncensored, and uncut" content becoming a flashpoint for legal and cultural battles. While the Russian Constitution technically prohibits censorship , the state has increasingly used various legal pretexts to restrict music videos that challenge political, social, or moral norms. The Legal Framework for Banning Content
: The Ministry of Culture can now revoke or refuse distribution licenses for content that "discredits or denies traditional Russian spiritual and moral values". Broadening "Drug Propaganda" Key Legal Drivers of Bans Unlike Western ratings
| Artist | Song | Reason for restriction | |--------|------|------------------------| | | “Skibidi” | Profanity; forced radio edit. | | Face | “Burger” | Drug references. | | IC3PEAK | “Grustnaya Suika” | Political undertones, protests. | | Pussy Riot | “Straight Outta Vagina” | Anti-Putin lyrics, explicit imagery. | | Marilyn Manson | Various | “Propaganda of non-traditional relationships.” |