News.BBC.co.uk – By Helen Fawkes – BBC News, Kiev, Ukraine
Angry Ukrainian nationalists have held protests against the selection of a controversial drag queen to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The demonstrations are part of a campaign to pressure the former Soviet republic to withdraw from the contest.
Verka Serdyuchka, who pokes fun at middle-aged women, is loved by many people and is a cult icon in Ukraine.
She was chosen as Ukraine’s entry by an overwhelming majority in a public vote, but some find her vulgar and offensive.
Many opponents are outraged at her selection to represent Ukraine.