Sergey Lazarev vs Jamala

The buzz continues around the Eurovision 2016 contest held on Saturday, 14 May, in which Crimean Tatar performer Jamala took first place.

Sergey Lazarev, who won the public vote, finished third in the overall tally. The artists' fans have split into two opposing camps. Each is trying to find something in Jamala's and Lazarev's past that could discredit the artist.

For instance, some have recalled long-standing rumours that Sergey Lazarev is gay. To support this, quotes from Kushanashvili and other media figures are cited. Meanwhile, no one pays attention to the arguments of Lera Kudryavtseva, who was in a relationship with Lazarev for a long time.

Jamala, on the other hand, has been suspected of having changed her sex. Allegedly, Jamala used to be a man. So-called "witnesses" to her sex change have even appeared on social media.

We do not presume to judge Sergey Lazarev's orientation, but the fact that Jamala was born female is beyond doubt. Anyone who has encountered people who have changed their sex can identify this without fail. There are signs that cannot be removed. For example, the Adam's apple.