Jean Claude Van Damme, Hilary Swank Blasted for Attending Chechen President's Party
A human rights watchdog has blasted actors Jean Claude Van Damme and Hilary Swank for attending Chechen leader, Ramzan Kadyrov’s birthday party earlier this month.
Van Damme and Swank have met accusatory remarks from Human Rights Watch for attending Kadyrov’s 35th birthday party held Oct. 5.
“Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a litany of horrific human rights abuses. It’s inappropriate for stars to get paid to party with him,” The New York-based group told The Hollywood Reporter.
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“It bolsters his image and legitimizes a brutal leader and his regime. And getting paid to be part of such a lavish show in Chechnya trivializes the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses there,” the group added.
Swank reportedly received a large sum to attend the party and even gave a small speech, according to The Independent.
The liberal Oscar-winning actress stated how much she had enjoyed her stay in the Chechen capital, Grozny.
“I could feel the spirit of the people, and I could see that everyone was so happy,” said Swank, and added, “Happy birthday, Mr. President!”
Van Damme also reportedly made a speech, which ended with his exclaiming, “I love you Mr. Kadyrov,” ahead of a fireworks display worth thousands of dollars.
British violinist Vanessa Mae was also in attendance and gave a brief performance at the party.
The Human Rights group, which is “dedicated to defending and protecting human rights” according to their website, has requested that the stars give back the money they received as payment for attending the event.
Kadyrov, who has been President of Chechnya since 2006, “presides over law enforcement and security agencies that have been implicated in abductions, torture, and executions of those suspected of involvement in the Islamist insurgency in Chechnya,” according to the group.
“He has condoned collective punishments such as house burnings against alleged collaborators, including family members of suspected insurgents,” The Human Watch group continued speaking with THR.
According to The Telegraph, when questioned about who paid for the elaborate party, Kadyrov answered, “Allah gives it to us.”
He added, “I don’t know, it comes from somewhere.”
Actors Eva Mendes and Kevin Costner were reportedly invited to the event, as well as singer Shakira, but did not attend.
Celebrities have come under fire before for accepting payment for attending controversial events. Both Beyoncé and Mariah Carey received criticism for accepting money after performing for Moammar Gadhafi’s family.
Following the event, Beyoncé said she donated the payment from the performance to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.
