Putin 'not prejudiced' – he has gay friends and likes Elton John

Russian president attempts to appease Western media over new laws against gay propaganda

(Image credit: 2014 AFP)

VLADIMIR PUTIN has claimed that he is "not prejudiced in any way", praising Elton John and insisting he has gay friends.

The Russian president has faced criticism over the country's new laws against gay propaganda, with calls from some critics to boycott next month's Sochi Winter Games.

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