U.S. officials in Russia have received information regarding threats of physical violence against performers and spectators at a pair of Madonna concerts this week, and are urging U.S. citizens to "remain vigilant."
The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg issued the warning on Tuesday for U.S. citizens in Russia that are planning to attend Madonna's concerts in Moscow (Aug. 7) or in St. Petersburg (Aug. 9). The information has been shared with Russian authorities, who have indicated they will add increased security to the events.
"While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas," the message reads.
It's unclear whether Madonna, on tour since late May, has been directly threatened or if U.S. officials have contacted her camp. A request for comment from LiveNation was not returned by press time.
Madonna wraps the European leg of her "MDNA" tour on Aug. 21 in Nice, France and then heads to North America to perform through mid-November. A South American leg begins in Colombia on Nov. 28 and will wrap on Dec. 22 in Argentina.
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Read the Full Statement From the U.S. Embassy Below:
U.S. Embassy Moscow and U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg
SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS:
MADONNA CONCERTS
August 7, 2012
This is to alert U.S. citizens in Russia who are planning to attend the Madonna concerts in Moscow on Tuesday, August 7, or in St. Petersburg on Thursday, August 9, that the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators and performers at the St. Petersburg concert on August 9. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg have shared the information with appropriate Russian law enforcement authorities. Russian authorities have indicated to the Embassy that they are taking appropriate measures in light of this information. While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas.
