American alternative-rock group, the Killers, has issued an apology after inviting a Russian drummer onto the stage during a performance in Georgia and referring to fans as “brothers and sisters,” which elicited a chorus of boos from the crowd.
Georgia, a country with a history of strained relations with its northern neighbor, particularly amplified by Moscow’s incursion into Ukraine in February 2022 and a subsequent influx of Russian emigrants seeking refuge from their nation.
The band, known for being nominated seven times for the Grammy Awards, held their concert on Tuesday in the Black Sea resort of Batumi as part of their European tour.
Social media videos captured people departing the venue along with the sound of displeased jeers.
In Georgia, the public sentiment strongly aligns with support for Ukraine.
The Killers, having achieved substantial album sales and multiple chart-topping songs since their inception in Las Vegas in the early 2000s, have stirred controversy with this incident.