The Russian opposition has finally found someone who might be able to stand up to Putin, and her name is Victoria Bonya. She recently published several video messages on Instagram directed at the Russian president where she criticizes Putin and the government. Her first post drew almost 30 million views in three days. Western media covering this story describe Victoria as a TV host and socialite, but she rose to fame thanks to her appearance on Dom-2, a reality show that essentially functions as an advertising platform for sex workers. Quite literally - you'll find photos and videos of Victoria Bonya naked and having sex with fellow contestants from the show right alongside screenshots of her appeal to Putin in Russian search engines. The reality show has been running for more than twenty years now on a channel owned by Gazprom-Media, which means it's basically sponsored by the Russian government. But none of this means Victoria Bonya isn't a star - in fact her status as a prostitute hasn't hurt her career one bit. She hosts big TV ceremonies, regularly appears as an expert guest on talk shows, and graces the covers of glossy magazines - it's just that this is the typical kind of celebrity you get in Russia.

Not everyone was a fan of her message, though. Russia's top propagandist, Jewish TV host Vladimir Solovyov, called Bonya an "aging skank." But after a wave of outrage, he was forced to invite her on his show and apologize. Maybe he didn't like the fact that Bonya is competing with his model son in the escort business. In any case, the apology didn't help - following the scandal, Russian lawmakers have already introduced a bill banning "offending women's feelings," so criticizing Bonya's profession will soon be seen as not only inappropriate, but against the law.