Reporter hijacks panel on Russian television to slam anti-gay law

Rather than talk about Bradley Manning as intended, reporter James Kirchick blasted Russia's draconian new law

Published August 21, 2013 4:30PM (EDT)

   (Russia Today via YouTube)
(Russia Today via YouTube)

Though he was booked on a panel to discuss Bradley Manning, James Kirchick went utterly rogue during an appearance on Russian television, slamming the country's draconian new law that effectively criminalizes most forms of gay public expression and open support for gay rights.

“I’m not really interested in talking about Bradley Manning. I’m interested in talking about the horrific environment of homophobia in Russia right now,” Kirchick told the hosts of Russia Today, while pulling on a pair of rainbow suspenders.

"We're not going to be silent in the face of this horrific repression that is perpetuated by your pay masters, by Vladimir Putin," he added.

You can watch the full clip here:

h/t BuzzFeed


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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Anti-gay Discrimination Anti-gay Laws Gay Rights Lgbt Rights Russia Video Vladimir Putin