Hilary Swank 'Deeply Regrets' Attending Chechen Birthday Bash
Hilary Swank has expressed regret for attending a birthday celebration for controversial Chechen Republic President Ramzan Kadyrov.
The Chechen president has been accused of numerous human rights violations, including torture and extrajudicial killings.
Swank told the Associated Press in a written letter Thursday that she was unaware of the accusations against Kadyrov.
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"If I had full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would have never gone," the Oscar-winner said.
"I deeply regret attending this event, which has thrown into question my long and deeply-held commitment to the protection of human rights," Swank said. "I would never do intentionally do anything that raised doubts about such commitment."
The New York-based Human Rights Watch has criticized Swank and other celebrities for attending the celebration, among them Jean-Claude Van Damme, British violinist Vanessa-Mae and singer Seal.
Kadryov is notorious for dropping millions on his race horses and soccer team, despite the country struggling with poverty and unemployment.
Here is Swank's full statement from her rep:
“On Wednesday, October 5th, Hilary Swank attended the opening of a new residential and commercial complex in Grozny City, including the largest sports complex in southern Russia. There were various guests from all over the world in attendance at that event, including Chechnya’s president. Ms. Swank decided to attend the opening because the construction project was described to her as a symbol of hope for the people of Chechnya, a region that had been devastated by war.
“Specifically, she was advised that the project was instrumental in the creation of jobs and other opportunities for the people of Chechnya. Ms. Swank very much wanted to attend to be a proponent of those things and, most importantly, she wanted be an advocate for peace in Chechnya. When she arrived at the event, its organizers requested that she wish the President a happy birthday, which happened to coincide with the opening. Not wanting to be rude, she obliged. She was unaware, at the time, of the allegations against President Kadyrov that have been made by various human rights groups. She had never met Kadyrov before that evening, and has no personal or professional ties to him.
“Ms. Swank commented, ‘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. I will continue to donate my time and my financial resources not only to the charities with which I am currently affiliated, but also those dedicated to the preservation of human rights. If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone."
