Nina Kraviz dropped from Clone Distribution over alleged “pro-Putin” views

17.05.2022 - 14:05 / nme.com

Nina Kraviz and her трип (Trip Recordings) label have been dropped from Clone Distribution after its founder alleged that she harbours “pro-Putin” views.The Russian DJ hasn’t spoken publicly about Russia’s war against Ukraine except for posting a video in February of a handwritten note with the word “peace” written in Russian.NME has contacted Kraviz’s representatives for comment about the allegations.Clone Recordings founder Serge Verschuur outlined the decision in a blog post last week (May 12) in which he criticised Kraviz for her alleged “pro-Putin” views and “CCCP/USSR sentiments”, claiming that she is “using Putin’s law as an excuse not to speak out”.A post shared by Nina Kraviz (@ninakraviz)In a recent article, Time magazine collected responses from several prominent members of the electronic music scenes in Ukraine and Russia, including the Ukrainian DJ Nastia and the Russian DJ Buttechno, who have also criticised Kraviz’s apparent “silence” and asked her to provide clarity about her views on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war.But Kraviz’s defenders have argued that the DJ has no involvement with the war in Ukraine and that freedom of speech includes the freedom to say nothing at all. A representative for Kraviz did not respond to Time‘s request for comment.Supporters in the Time article also cited Russia’s recently introduced laws that forbid anti-war protests, slogans and independent journalism, as well as the potential threats that come with being a Russian dissident.In Verschuur’s blog post he wrote that he supports Kravitz’s right to remain silent, but added that it puts an end to their business relationship.“Let me be very clear about the fact that it is her right to do so.