t.A.T.u.: From Controversy to Contrition

More than two decades after their provocative debut, Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. are once again making headlines - this time not for their music, but for a long-overdue reckoning with their past.

t.A.T.u., comprised of Julia Volkova and Lena Katina, shot to global fame in the early 2000s with their hit single All The Things She Said. The song, and its accompanying video featuring the pair kissing in school uniforms, was both celebrated and criticised for its portrayal of same-sex attraction. While it became an anthem for many in the LGBTQ+ community, critics accused the duo - and their management - of exploiting queer imagery for commercial gain.

The controversy deepened in 2014 when Julia Volkova made openly homophobic remarks during a Russian television interview. She stated she would not accept a gay son and used a slur to describe gay men, drawing widespread condemnation. Her comments stood in stark contrast to the duo’s public image and alienated many fans who had once seen t.A.T.u. as queer icons.

Now, in 2025, as the duo announces their musical comeback, Volkova has issued a formal apology**. In a statement shared via the band’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, she expressed “sincere apologies to the LGBT community” for her past remarks.

“She acknowledges her personal growth since then and affirms that, of course, she would accept her child if they were gay,” the statement read. Volkova also distanced herself from the Russian government, declaring her opposition to President Vladimir Putin and expressing a desire to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

The apology extended to her bandmate, Lena Katina, who had publicly disagreed with Volkova’s comments back in 2014. Katina, the statement noted, “has always been an ally and will continue to support the gay community wholeheartedly”.

The timing of the apology is no coincidence. Earlier this month, t.A.T.u. teased a “definitive comeback” on social media, sharing images of the duo reunited in the studio. They are reportedly set to perform in Crimea later this summer, and their music has seen a resurgence on platforms like TikTok, thanks in part to a viral cover by Kelly Clarkson.

Volkova now claims that t.A.T.u. will be a “symbol of love” going forward. “The group has always been about love - never about hate,” she said.

The apology has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans have welcomed the gesture, seeing it as a sign of growth and maturity. Others remain sceptical, questioning the sincerity of the timing and whether it’s merely a strategic move to smooth the path for their return.

“I grew up with t.A.T.u. and was heartbroken by Julia’s comments. But people can grow. If she’s sincere, I’m willing to give them another chance,” wrote one user on X.

**In a strange, curious twist, Pop Crave has posted on X that the apology made by Julia Volkova was actually made from a fake account.