As public backlash begins, soprano refutes the political implications of the controversial image.

A backlash has begun against Russian soprano Anna Netrebko in response to photos of the opera star posing with a Pro-Russia Ukrainian separatist leader, Oleg Tsarov, while holding the flag of Novorossia, the amalgamated territories currently held by rebel forces in the Ukrain.

The image, which was taken at a press conference in St Petersburg on Sunday where Netrebko also made a 1million rouble donation to a Ukrainian opera theatre, has angered many as it strongly implies Netbreko’s support for the controversial conflict and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Austrian Airlines, for which Netrebko is a spokesperson announced yesterday that they would not renew Netrebko’s contract, which expired at the end of November, to be the face for their advertising campaigns. In a press statement the airline remarked, “We distance ourselves from extreme political positions and the use of armed violence.”

Anna Netrebko in an Austrian Airlines advert

Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer also publically condemned Netrebko, saying that the image represented a “completely conscious and political act.” In an interview with German media outlet Deutsche Welle, Kremer added, “Artists should spread peace and harmony. It’s a shame that one of the world’s most beautiful voices makes such incongruous noises.”

However Netrebko has now taken to social media to deny any political leanings, claiming she was blindsided by politician Tsarov, who is wanted by Kiev on charges of separatism. In a statement posted on her facebook page Netrebko said, “Tsarov was presented to me as the only person who could ensure safe delivery of the funds to the theater in Donetsk. The presence of the flag was unplanned and caught me off guard; I actually did not recognize it at first and realized only later what it was.”