By Tara John
Russian Pranksters Vladimir “Vovan” Krasnov and Alexei “Lexus” Stolyarov have posted their prank call to Elton John on Youtube.
The 11 minute conversation, where they pretend to be Russian President Vladimir Putin, has the musician agreeing to a meeting with the head of state to discuss “the humanitarian issue” of LGBT rights in Russia.
The fake version of Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, pretends to translate what Putin says to John, inviting the singer to take part in Moscow’s Gay Pride parade – an event where LGBT activists have been attacked by mobs in the past.The real Dmitry Peskov said that Putin did not contact John, adding that the prank was “not nice.”
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- How Far Trump Would Go
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- Saving Seconds Is Better Than Hours
- Why Your Breakfast Should Start with a Vegetable
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Ryan Gosling
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com