Russia’s It Girl becomes high-profile campaigner against Vladimir Putin
Guardian »

She is an unlikely figurehead for the political protests that have rocked Russia over the last few months. Ksenia Sobchak, 30, is a family friend of Vladimir Putin and the host of a reality TV programme known for its scandalous scenes. But it is her new political talkshow that has caused a real stir – and that has just been ordered off Russian television.

Sobchak was once dubbed the Paris Hilton of Russia because of her similarity to the American hotel heiress. She used to be just a rich society girl: thin, blonde, with a sharp tongue and a reputation for being spoilt.

She has written books on how to be a success and hosts Dom-2, the longest-running reality show in the world, which has been memorably described as the worst thing to hit Russian culture since the Mongols.

… “It has been interesting to watch her change. When she came to the first meeting, she said we need to talk [with the government]. Now she is radicalising in front of our eyes.”  >continue<