Vladimir Putin is a well-known homophobe, so a lot of people were pretty confused earlier this month when Elton John publicly thanked him “for reaching out and speaking via telephone with me today,” adding, “I look forward to meeting with you face-to-face to discuss LGBT equality in Russia.” Indeed, it turned out that John had been the victim of a hoax perpetrated by two radio hosts, but leave it to Russia’s president to turn the unbelievable into reality: Putin actually did call the musician on Thursday.
“Putin phoned [Elton John],” said spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “He said: ‘I know some guys played a trick on you on the phone, but don’t get offended. They are harmless people, though that of course does not justify what they did.’” Peskov added: “Putin said that he knows what a popular performer Elton John is, and in the future, if their schedules coincide, he will be ready to meet with him and discuss any questions that are of interest.” Watch out for your rings, Elton!
