She Won't Be Playing Sochi: Cher Sounds Off on Russia's Anti-Gay Law

Gay icon Cher is the latest celebrity to publicly criticize Russia's controversial "homosexual propaganda" law.

In a new interview with Maclean's, a Canadian news magazine, Cher revealed that she turned down the chance to perform at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, because she does not support the country's anti-gay law.

"I can't name names, but my friend called who is a big oligarch over there, and asked me if I'd like to be an ambassador for the Olympics and open the show," Cher told Maclean's writer Elio Iannacci. "I immediately said no. I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there."

Cher will release her new record on Sept. 23 -- her first LP of original material in over 10 years. She also made headlines this summer when she headlined the New York City's Pride Dance on the Pier. Additionally, she will be an adviser for country star Blake Shelton's team on the reality competition show, "The Voice."