Singer Maria banned from performing at Plovdiv's Ancient Theatre

Bulgarian folk singer Maria has been barred from performing at the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv. She was originally scheduled to open for Greek star Konstantinos Argiros on September 2, but the appearance was canceled.

Reports indicate the restriction was imposed by the regional administration and the 'Staren Plovdiv' municipal association. The decision followed controversial performances by the singer in Burgas and Varna, where she appeared in provocative attire, including a transparent green jumpsuit and lingerie, which organizers claimed was inappropriate for the cultural monument.

While Maria issued apologies to her fans on social media, citing a collective decision by intellectuals, unverified reports suggest her husband, Teodor Petkov, attempted to secure her participation through significant payments to organizers. Local authorities and moral advocates have maintained their refusal to allow such imagery on the historic stage.