Producer claims being harassed after criticism from Khabib Nurmagomedov

The performance "Hunting for Men", shown in the capital of Dagestan, drew criticism from fighters for morality, including MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. The producer of the performance apologized to residents of the republic and noted that actors of the theatre team received threats in social networks.

On February 23, the performance "Hunting for Men" was shown in the Makhachkala Friendship House. After the performance, users of Instagram published fragments of a video record of a performance scene with half-dressed actors, the "Region Online" reports.

In particular, Khabib Nurmagomedov posted on his page a cadre from the video. "I just watched the video, and I decided not to spread such garbage. Who is responsible for that and who organizes such events at our place in Dagestan? ... Dagestan is our land, and no one should organize such events here," wrote the athlete.

Today, Ivan Zhidkov, an actor and a producer of the performance, has reacted to the post left by Khabib Nurmagomedov.

"On behalf of the creative team of the project, I apologize for unintentionally insulting Dagestani viewers. The performance is by no means intended to show 'seamy side.' This is a classic Italian performance played around the world for many years ... A bed scene is a part of the performance. We did not suspect that it could cause such a resonance," the producer wrote on his page on Instagram.

Ivan Zhidkov has noted that members of the creative team receive threats. "Direct is filled in with threats. I understand this is the answer to our unintentional insult, but still," he lamented.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 26, 2019 at 02:09 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.