Stephen Colbert Joins Pussy Riot to Send Vladimir Putin a Message

Nadya Tolokonnikova and Masha Alyokhina, members of the Russian punk rock band that were arrested in 2012 for their performance at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral, have lost no time since their release in December to fight for human rights and prison reform in their country. In America on a visit to survey U.S. prisons as well as perform at Amnesty International’s “Bringing Human Rights Home” concert in Brooklyn on Wednesday, they stopped by “The Colbert Report” to talk to Vladimir Putin’s good ol’ friend Stephen.

With a great sense of a humor and high hopes for their cause, the two charmed the pundit to the point of getting him to join Pussy Riot, as long as he told Putin to back off. Tolokonnikova was especially funny, holding back her laughter often, especially while explaining to the late night show host why Putin and Pussy Riot had a different view of the future, with the musicians refusing to be led by a “shirtless man on a horse.”

Be sure to watch the full two part interview as the pundit, rioters and translator discuss the singers’ imprisonment, gay rights, and other serious and seriously humorous topics.

And don’t miss Colbert’s signoff, which includes a special message to the Kremlin.

—Posted by Natasha Hakimi