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Blondie icon Debbie Harry snubs offer to play at Sochi because of anti-gay laws

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Blondie star Debbie Harry says her band could never play at the Sochi Winter Olympics due to Russia’s anti-gay laws.

The Heart of Glass singer told the Huffington Post that she turned down a request to play at the Games, saying the group has too many gay friends.

“Blondie has always been a part of the downtown community in NYC, with many, many friends who represent alternative lifestyles,” Harry said.

“We feel very strongly about these friendships and associations, and don’t feel good about participating in a situation where biases and prejudices are paramount.”

A photo of an offer letter for the Russian Red Rocks Festival was posted to the band’s official Twitter account, with the words “PASS” and “human rights” handwritten over it.

Lord Coe, chairman of the British Olympic Association, said on Tuesday that he was against Olympic boycotts because they hurt the athletes and make it harder for campaigners to achieve their aims.

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