Did t.A.T.u.’s Julia Volkova apologize for past homophobic comments? Viral post debunked 

On July 7, 2025 an update was was posted on X on July 7, 2025, stating that Julia Volkova had issued an apology for homophobic remarks she made in 2014. According to a July 7, 2025, report by THE FADER, the tweet read,

“Julia Volkova sincerely apologizes to the LGBT community for the homophobic statements she made ten years ago.”

The account, allegedly representing the pop duo t.A.Tu., consisting of Julia Volkova and Lena Katina, is suspended as of July 12, 2025. The message gained traction quickly across social media platforms, with many interpreting it as a long-awaited step toward accountability.

However, the legitimacy of the statement was called into question the same day. As reported by The FADER, another X account, seemingly affiliated with the band under the handle @tatuofficial, disputed the apology’s authenticity. That account stated,

“Julia Volkova hasn’t made any statement and if she’ll do – you will learn about it from her verified social media.”

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More about the alleged homophobic comments by Julia Volkova

Julia Volkova faced backlash in 2014 after a Russian TV interview where she said she wouldn’t accept a gay son, used a slur for gay men, and claimed lesbian relationships were “aesthetically nicer.” Her comments sparked outrage, especially given her past image.

Her group t.A.T.u. became famous in the early 2000s with the hit All The Things She Said, where she and Lena Katina portrayed a schoolgirl romance. While the video became a pop culture moment and was embraced by many LGBTQ+ fans, it was also criticized for using same-sex imagery as a publicity tactic.

After the 2014 incident, Lena Katina publicly distanced herself from Volkova’s remarks. In a Facebook post that year, Katina reiterated her support for the LGBTQ+ community, stating that her views differed significantly from those of her bandmate.

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More about the alleged 'apology'

On July 11, 2025, SceneMag UK published an article asserting that Volkova had indeed issued an apology.

According to that report, the statement was released via the band’s “official X account” and included a renewed commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, a denouncement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and an effort to mend ties with both her fanbase and her bandmate. The SceneMag article also linked the timing of the alleged apology to t.A.T.u.’s teased comeback and an upcoming performance in Crimea.

However, The FADER maintained that the circulating apology was likely from a fake account, noting that Pop Crave had also flagged it as potentially inauthentic. No additional verification has emerged since either report was published.

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The conflicting accounts have sparked ongoing debate online. Some fans expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that even if the apology were manufactured, there is accountability. Others questioned the timing and authenticity, especially given the group’s rumored return to the spotlight and a recent spike in popularity driven by a viral Kelly Clarkson cover of “All The Things She Said” on TikTok.

With no confirmed statement from Julia Volkova’s verified platforms and differing reports from The FADER and SceneMag UK, the situation remains unclear. As of now, there is no verified public apology from Volkova regarding her 2014 remarks.

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Edited by Divya Singh