Posted on 08/21/2006 7:21:25 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Howard Gensler | Madonna to Russian mob: Shove-sky this
MADONNA MAY BE a kidnapping target of the Russian mob.
According to a report in the London Sun, Russian gangsters have threatened the Material Girl and her two children with abduction should Madonna go ahead with her Confessions tour in Moscow next month.
But tough-gal Madonna is like "Law & Order's" Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston), refusing to bow to Russian mob pressure.
"Madonna is well aware of the kidnap threats," said a source, "but she is brave and even a little nonchalant when it comes to her own safety."
Her husband and her tour manager, however, are seriously concerned, changing security and urging her to be more careful.
It was only two years ago that Madonna cancelled three shows in Israel after terrorists threatened to kill her and her kids.
This will be her first time performing in Russia.
I would think after that song "So Sorry" her husband wouldn't be so concerned about his wife's safety.
The Russian mafia knows better than to kidnap high-profile foreigners who will attract a media feeding frenzy.
If they do kidnap anyone - and it is not a major business line for them like it is in Columbia - they kidnap people who are wealthy but obscure and whose families are likely to quietly pay people off.
I would guess that most people kidnapped by the Russian mafia have business dealings that they would not want publicized.
Just thinking about this news story for a second makes one realize how preposterous it is.
However, they could sabotage her concert discreetly.
"I say we get some press saying Madonna has cancer. Get some sympathy coverage. Good?"
"Nah, no one wants to see a sick person sing. How about we fake a kidnapping? Russian Mob has her children, but she sings anyway! What do you think?"
"Nah, she'll seem callous. How about, Russian Mob threatens to kidnap kids, Brave Madonna fearlessly goes on. Cool?"
"Brilliant!!"
The Ransom of Red Chief suddenly comes to mind.
Russian thugs are nothing to screw around with. Mr G was nearly killed by them when he was in Russia (Tomsk) 6 or so years ago. And he wasn't doing anything that was sneaky.... he was working with an orchestra.
If the Russian mob wanted to extract money from Madonna, they wouldn't kidnap her - they would squeeze her concert promoters to cut them in or else unexpected technical difficulties would plague her concerts.
You are probably correct.
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