Russian newspaper columnist mocked for saying Manchester is 'full of fat people'

Alisa Titko, a columnist for Russia's best-selling newspaper, may no longer be welcome in Manchester. Social media has not reacted well to an article she posted describing the city as full of fat people and expressed shock over the existence of its Gay Village.

The writer, who recently visited Manchester, had nothing but scathing remarks for the gay community, saying that Moscow was right in not following the example of Manchester and that the Russian capital should not be "more tolerant to couples with non-traditional sexual orientation".

Writing for the Komsomolskaya Pravda, she said it was "such a pleasure that there are no such gay streets" in Moscow after she chanced upon the Gay Village in Manchester.

Titko also did not have kind words about the young women in Manchester, "Local young women don't mind when fat hangs down from their stomach and body - and does not fit into their jeans.

"Whatever, when they go to a nightclub they put on tight-fit leggings and mini-dresses," she said.

It does not end there. Titko goes on to draw an unlikely link between the two phenomena: "Of course, it is hardly possible that men turn gay because girls are too fat and non-sexual. But it can influence it too."

Her message to fellow Russians? "Let's remain Russian. Let's start normal families. Let's give birth in legal marriages. And don't lets mix love and debauchery."

Russia introduced a gay propaganda law in 2013 which bans the promotion of homosexuality to minors.

Social media backlash

Claire Glover wrote: "There are fat people and gay people everywhere. As well as many other wonderful shapes, sizes, colours, religions, sexualities and races. I'd rather be in Manchester with the fat and the gay than in Moscow with people like her."

Ari Tenenbaum said that Russians are only "skinnier" than people in the UK because their leader, Vladimir Putin, "starves their working classes".

Gaynor Smethurst had this to say: "Well what can we all say to that - except welcome to Manchester! A wonderful, diverse city where people can be who they want to be not what they are stereotyped to be. If you don't like it then feel free to avoid Manchester in the future - I don't think you'll be missed!"

Lauren Sian said: "Manchester is full of 'fat people' and debauched homosexuals making out in the streets." And? She says it like it's a bad thing?! Bet she's fun at parties lol."

James Hodgkiss, who is from Manchester but currently lives in Moscow, said: "Not all Russians are like this. The attitude is changing slowly but surely and history will show up those who were against love and pride."

Johnny Lockwood said: "Yes, they are 70 years behind the UK. Lets embrace how far we have come, the Russians will get there one day."