In 2021 Shariy apologized "for his past from 11 years ago" and claimed his views had been changed since then.[84]
"And about gays. I am a simple guy from Karavaevka. My childhood passed in the Soviet Union. I have never seen those "gays" ...I was certain that they would attack me with obscene offers... but I must say that I have never had a problem with a gay person in my life."