Comedians admit prank

Two Russian comedians, “Vovan” and “Lexus,” admit that they prank called John. In the phone call the pranksters get John to talk about gay rights:

I think the violence toward LGBT people–they don’t feel safe–but this something I don’t really want to talk about over the phone.

They also arrange a November meeting date with the Russian president and agreed to attend a gay pride parade in Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson:

The president has always been open to discuss human rights issues…I would recommend to apologise (to) Elton John, he is a respected and favoured singer here. It was not good to trick him like that.

John:

Pranks are funny. Homophobia, however is never funny. I love Russia and my offer to talk to President Putin about LGBT rights still stands. I will always stand up for those that are being degraded and discriminated against. If this unfortunate incident has helped push this vital issue back into the spotlight, then I am happy to be pranked on this occasion.