Indira Levak faces backlash after Banja Luka concert

Croatian singer Indira Levak has faced significant public backlash following her performance at the opening of the Banja Luka Waterfront in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The controversy stems from video footage showing Levak dancing and embracing the Mayor of Banja Luka, Draško Stanivuković, on stage during her performance of the song ‘Svijet voli pobjednike’.

Critics, particularly in Croatia, have condemned the interaction due to Stanivuković’s previous political statements regarding the Croatian War of Independence and his views on regional borders. Some activists have even called for a boycott of Levak’s upcoming concert at the Zagreb Arena.

Levak responded to the criticism via social media, stating that the situation has been misinterpreted. She clarified that she performed for the citizens of Banja Luka, just as she does in many other regional cities, and emphasized that the mayor joined her on stage spontaneously, a common occurrence at such events. She denied any inappropriate nationalistic symbols or behavior, asserting that her goal is to entertain and spread love regardless of differences.