A Ladybug Costume Sparks a Culture War at a Serbian Kindergarten

A Ladybug Costume Sparks a Culture War at a Serbian Kindergarten
Veljko Ražnatović and his wife, Bogdana, became embroiled in a public dispute with the state kindergarten “Plavi čuperak” in Titel after their two-year-old son Isaija was found wearing a ladybug costume that included a red skirt. Ražnatović said the family had been told that children could freely choose costumes under the institution’s “new program.”

In an Instagram statement, Ražnatović described the incident as a threat to traditional and Christian values. He questioned whether educators should tell children which clothing was “for female” and which was “for male,” and said the family would withdraw their children unless the kindergarten’s policy changed. Bogdana amplified the criticism, writing: “A story that needs to be heard far and wide. Don’t spoil our children!”

The kindergarten offered a different account. Director Jovanka Andrić said the boy had not done anything unusual or concerning, arguing that the skirt was simply part of a costume and an element of play. “For him, it was just an interesting piece of clothing and part of the game,” she wrote, adding that young children explore without attaching the meanings adults often assign to clothing.

The kindergarten’s collective later said role-play helps children develop imagination, language, creativity and social skills. It described the child’s choice as spontaneous and said staff should understand play from the child’s perspective rather than impose adult assumptions.

The dispute then spread beyond the family and kindergarten. Bogdana’s sister Bojana Šijan said parents should not remain silent and called protecting children their duty. Singer Darko Lazić also shared Ražnatović’s statement, signaling support. Meanwhile, Ražnatović maintained that parents should know whether an institution shares the values taught at home—and said he had the means to move his children, unlike most families in Titel.