Karita Mattila is praising the cancellation of Valery Gergiev’s concert in Italy.

The soprano took to X and said, “Some people showed some backbone. NOT the Italian concert organizer, slimy Russian ass licker. People with backbone won.”

She added, “Russians have no place on the world arts stage as long as they continue attacking Ukraine!”

Ever since the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, Mattila has been consistent in her stance against Gergiev. In 2014, she refused to perform with the conductor at Carnegie Hall, stating, “I did the right thing. I can look at myself in the mirror.”

She criticized Gergiev for his public support of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and his anti gay laws. She said, “You can argue whether politics belongs in our business, but I couldn’t imagine being on the same stage. It was a reaction. I have no regrets.”

When the War broke out in 2022, Mattila was also critical of Gergiev and praised Carnegie Hall for canceling his contracts. In 2023, she blocked Ildar Abrazakov when it was revealed that he endorsed Putin.

Some people showed some backbone

NOT the Italian concert organizer, slimy Russian ass licker

People with backbone won

Russians have no place on the world arts stage as long as they continue attacking Ukraine! https://t.co/bbFxja1qLP

— Karita Mattila ‍☠️ (@MattilaKarita) July 21, 2025