Russian TV alters Seventeen's Music Video, removes Rainbow imagery amid LGBT Propaganda Laws

A popular Russian television channel recently altered a music video of Seventeen by replacing its vibrant rainbow imagery with bleak grey clouds.

The act was reportedly carried out in line with the country's stringent LGBT propaganda laws. Reports from The Moscow Times indicated that TNT Music, a Russian television station, runs a popular show dedicated to airing K-pop music. The TV station made the call to remove the rainbow sequence from Seventeen's latest music video for "God of Music" amid fears of breaking Russia's 'LGBT propaganda' laws.

In the past, there have been instances of TNT Music being fined due to this law. In July, TNT Music's parent company, Fonbet TV, incurred a fine of 1 million rubles (equivalent to $10,800) imposed by a Moscow court. This penalty was levied for the alleged dissemination of 'LGBT propaganda,' following the broadcast of Finnish singer Alma’s music video for "Summer Really Hurt Us." Given this history of fines, the channel decided to err on the side of caution with the latest K-pop video, replacing eye-catching rainbows with somber grey clouds.

Additionally, the channel is currently facing the prospect of a substantial fine, potentially amounting to 16 million rubles (around $174,000), based on four separate administrative charges. These charges pertain to the purported spread of 'LGBT propaganda' among minors, as has been reported by ria.ru.

In 2013, a law was passed in the nation prohibiting the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” directed towards minors. This ban was extended last year by President Vladimir Putin, who decreed that public displays of non-traditional relationships and lifestyles would be considered illegal, irrespective of the age of those it was presented to.