Popular blogger and DJ Karina Smolova has condemned Russian clothing brand You Wanna for launching a promotional video featuring ballerina Anastasia Volochkova.
Smolova, the 32-year-old wife of professional footballer Fyodor Smolov, voiced her criticism in a statement published on her Telegram channel. She accused the fashion company of making fun of Volochkova's struggles with alcohol dependency.
The controversy surrounds a new promotional video released as part of a collaboration between the Russian clothing brand and the celebrity ballerina. In the advertisement, Volochkova was filmed wearing a sweater inscribed with the word Prosecco while holding a glass of champagne. During the clip, the star delivered a signature catchphrase that had previously become a popular meme across social media networks.
In the video, Volochkova ironically stated that half the country gets drunk, yet Volochkova holding a glass of expensive Prosecco and fresh strawberries is labeled an alcoholic.
Backlash over mental health mocking
Smolova, who was previously known under her maiden name Istomina, strongly condemned the commercial and stated that the brand was joking about Volochkova's attraction to alcohol.
Writing to her followers on Telegram, Smolova said that people can have varying attitudes toward Anastasia Volochkova, but it is completely disgusting to make fun of her obvious problems with alcohol. She added a direct warning to commercial fashion labels, writing that if brands do not understand chemical dependency, they should at least read basic information about the condition.
Smolova asserted that the promotional campaign was actively mocking mental health issues and worsening social stigmatisation around addiction.
Background and recent posts
The public criticism follows a recent social media post in which Smolova highlighted a lavish gift from her husband. In July, the influencer posted a series of photographs taken behind the wheel of a new Porsche Panamera car worth 20 million roubles that had been presented to her by the footballer.
Smolova is a prominent Russian content creator, music DJ, and media personality. Her husband, Fyodor Smolov, is a professional Russian footballer who plays as a striker. Volochkova is a former Bolshoi Theatre prima ballerina who frequently makes headlines in Russian public life, while You Wanna is a contemporary Russian fashion label.
