Stylist rejects Instasamka’s theft allegation
Stylist Nikolai Ovechkin has worked with several Russian pop artists and media personalities.
Stylist Nikolai Ovechkin broke his long silence after «Instasamka» accused him of stealing three million rubles (about $31,600 at current rates) from her.
At first, reports claimed Nikolai had allegedly deleted his Telegram channel, but he immediately denied it.
«Nothing was deleted! We’re here. We’ve simply decided, for now, to say nothing. So as not to say too much,» — said a post on the channel «#CHYOKCHEMU», which is run by Ovechkin and his team.
The ability to comment on posts in his Telegram channel also disappeared; at the very least, fans and supporters of «Instasamka» had been posting insults directed at the stylist.
The #CHYOKCHEMU Telegram channel has comments disabled during the ongoing public controversy.
On 27 September, NGS24.RU reported that «Instasamka», also known as Daria Zoteeva, accused Ovechkin of stealing three million rubles (about $31,600 at current rates). According to her, this money was intended to pay for items and staff services while preparing for a music video shoot. However, according to the singer, Ovechkin appropriated it for himself.
Stylist Nikolai Ovechkin was born in the village of Kirchizh (Birilyussky District, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia). He has worked with Svetlana Loboda, Diana Arbenina, Anna Asti, Zivert and other performers.
Nikolai Ovechkin clarified in a conversation with the Telegram channel «Bezfiltrov» that he tried to reach an agreement with Daria Zoteeva, but «no dialogue happened». «Instasamka» filed a police report against the stylist; in turn, he has also brought in lawyers.
«We have handed this story over to the lawyers, which means into the legal realm — and in that realm we are prepared to bear responsibility if guilt is proven,» — the stylist said.
After «Instasamka’s» accusations, social networks began to fill with videos from people who had worked with Nikolai Ovechkin. They also accused him of fraud.
For example, stylist Alexandra Panaitova said she worked with Ovechkin on Anna Asti’s video «Tsaritsa» and got Zivert ready for VK Fest (music festival). According to her, she was supposed to buy costumes for the artists — with money that was allegedly being transferred to her colleague. But, as Alexandra states, she did not receive the funds for purchases on time. As a result, she continued, she bought clothing for the stars at her own expense and could not obtain money from Ovechkin for several months.
Back in July 2025, Nikolai Ovechkin gave an interview to Ksenia Sobchak. He took her to his home region, introduced her to his mother and teachers, and described what it was like to live in a small settlement in Krasnoyarsk Krai.
