Terrified Tatu Get 'SAS' Guards! (UK)

Time of publication: 03.03.2003

Storm Over Knife Nutter

LESBIAN pop duo t.A.T.u. have recruited SAS-style bodyguards after a knife-wielding nutter tried to attack them on stage. He got within inches of the raunchy pair as they played a gig in the Czech Republic. Security men spotted him just in time and hauled him to the ground. Teenage chart-toppers Lena Katina and Julia Volkova were so frightened they demanded highly-trained protection.
So their Svengali, Ivan Shapovalov, recruited a team of former members of the Russian army special forces. The girls - whose schoolgirl act has caused outrage in some quarters - have had a knife hurled towards them before. And they're regular targets for bottles. A band source said: "They are obviously controversial but don't expect the sort of hatred they've witnessed. "This latest incident really put the wind up them and they asked whether they could have a team watching them at all times. The management has agreed. Their safety is paramount." Despite the threat of attacks, the Russian girls still like to encourage fans on to the stage during their routines. And they've promised that their UK tour - which begins in June - will be no exception. They have a huge following here since releasing their No 1 single, All The Things She Said, and want to meet as many fans as they can. The source said: "The girls like to engage with their fans and don't want to change that because of one or two nut-cases. But clearly they want the best protection they can get to avoid any tragedy. "Despite what some critics say, Ivan does have their best interests at heart." Julia, 17, and Lena, 18, can certainly afford top minders...they've already raked in Ј3.5 million.

Thanks to UKPaul and Tanya.

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