Lady Gaga, Madonna Under Investigation in Russia

Lady Gaga has been out of the limelight for some time but is prepping for a return in a big way with the upcoming release of her album 'ARTPOP.' Fans across the world are eagerly waiting for the release but Russia might not be quite as excited.

MTV is reporting that Russian politician Vitaly Milonov has filed a request for an investigation into Gaga's time in the country in 2012. He claims that she did not acquire the appropriate visa for her stay in the Russian Federation. Milonov says that Gaga only received a tourist visa, which does not allow for commercial performances such as the concert she put on while there. Milonov has also filed the grievance against Madonna for the same reason.

The Guardian has reported that prosecutors are asking Russia's foreign ministry to press charges against the pop superstars. In terms of Russia-American foreign relations, these accusations couldn't come at a worse time. Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has maintained an icy relationship with the United States since being in power. Recently, he approved a law that banned American families from adopting Russian children. In addition, Russia's treatment of homosexuals has been met with strong criticism from the United States and beyond.

Following their shows in 2012, Milonov levied accusations that Gaga and Madonna promoted 'gay propaganda' to minors. This is illegal in Russia, thanks to a recently passed law. Madonna, while performing in the country, expressed support for Pussy Riot, who had been jailed in the country for speaking out against Putin and his regime. Milonov accuses Gaga of using her music to make 'direct calls to 12-year-old citizens to support the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.'

In lighter news, Lady Gaga's 'ARTPOP' will be released on November 11th. She will be debuting her new music at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 25th.