Still In A League Of Her Own!...

Madonna has been sued for nearly $10.5m (£6.6m) by Russian activists after she promoted gay rights at a show in St Petersburg earlier this month.

The singer called for "love and appreciation for the gay community" during the concert on August 9, prompting calls from politicians for her to be charged with illegal propaganda.

A group of nine have since filed a lawsuit against the 54-year-old, arguing that she violated a law passed in February making it illegal to promote homosexuality to minors by directing her comments at an audience allegedly containing fans as young as 12.

According to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the complaint includes a video taken at the concert of Madonna stomping on an Orthodox cross (which she didn't!) and encouraging those in attendance to show off pink wristbands distributed during the show in support of homosexuals (which she certainly did!).

Defending the activists from accusations of outdated beliefs, their lawyer Alexander Pochuyev said: "No-one is burning anyone at the stake or carrying out an Inquisition. Modern civilization requires tolerance and respect for different values."

The lawsuit is also being levelled at the concert's organiser and the venue where it was held.

Madonna previously angered Russian conservatives with a tribute to the band Pussy Riot as they stood accused of hooliganism on the grounds of religious hatred. After they were sentenced to prison, Madonna released the following statement:

I protest the conviction and sentencing of Pussy Riot to a penal colony for two years for a 40 second performance extolling their political opinions. Even if one disagrees with the location or how they chose to express themselves, the sentence is too harsh and in fact is inhumane. I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. They’ve spent enough time in jail. I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free.