Hilary Swank deeply regrets her uninformed decision to attend the birthday celebration of Chechen Republic President Ramzan Kadyrov.
Kadyrov’s 35th birthday was Wednesday, October 5. His government organized a lavish concert for the former separatist rebel who has previously boasted of killing and ordering the brutal murders of his political rivals.
The actress stepped up to the podium and addressed Kadyrov, “It is so wonderful to be here tonight. Thank you so much for inviting me to your beautiful city. Really, truly, for me this is a great honor to learn more about you and your country and what you’re building. And happy birthday Mr. President.”
After a huge backlash of outrage erupted, Swank issued a statement, “I deeply regret attending this event, which has thrown into question my long and deeply-held commitment to the protection of human rights. I would never intentionally do anything that raised doubts about such commitment.”
She told the AP, “If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone.
The Human Rights Watch disputes Swank’s ignorance of the situation. They claim to have sent her a letter in advance, explaining why such a paid guest appearance would be in bad taste.
The talented Hollywood actress has won Oscars for Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby.
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