After making controversial “pro-Russia” comments on social media, Opera singer Mattias Milder has been suspended from the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm (Brussels Signal).
The affair began after Milder commented on Expressen war correspondent Mattias Carlsson’s recent trip to Ukrainian-occupied territory in Kursk, Russia.
Milder wrote on Facebook: “A Swedish journalist who wants to be on the list of those who illegally violated Russian territory. Hope he stays there underground!”
Expressen argued that Milder’s comments constituted praise of Russia and a death wish for the war correspondent.
Gunilla Brodrej, a critic and editor at the publication, responded to Milder’s Facebook in an editorial. Brodej argued that: “this is definitely a line crossed regarding what is decent for a representative of a publicly funded national institution.”
Whilst the Expressen editorial suggested the Royal Swedish Opera should not engage in monitoring the opinions of its employees, Brodrej added: “There needs to be some tightening up on what is appropriate to express on social media.”
Following the uproar, the Royal Swedish Opera swiftly distanced itself from Milder’s opinions.
“The statement was made by the employee in his capacity as a private individual and the Royal Opera strongly distances itself from the views expressed in the statement and reiterates our support for the Ukrainian people and our opposition to Russia’s invasion”, it said in a statement.
As a consequence, Milder has been suspended from the opera company’s current stage production while it investigates its comments.
The company added: “Employees at the Royal Swedish Opera have the right to express private opinions freely. In this case, however, we believe that the statement violates the Royal Opera’s code of conduct.”
Milder was due to perform in the opera company’s production of Tosca.
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