Ben Stiller Denies Claims of USAID Funding for Ukraine Visit Amid Viral Misinformation

Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller

Actor Ben Stiller has vehemently denied claims that his visit to Ukraine was funded by USAID, calling the rumors “lies” spread by Russian media. The allegations came in the wake of a broader wave of criticism aimed at USAID, fueled by Elon Musk’s recent remarks on X (formerly Twitter) where he described the agency as a “criminal enterprise”, reported by the Independent.

The controversy gained momentum when viral posts on social media falsely claimed that U.S. tax dollars were used to fund celebrity trips to Ukraine, including those by Stiller, Angelina Jolie, and Sean Penn. One post, which quickly spread across the internet, even included a fabricated video from E! News, claiming that Stiller’s trip cost a staggering $4 million.

In response to these claims, Stiller took to X, addressing the false accusations directly. He wrote, “These are lies coming from Russian media. I completely self-funded my humanitarian trip to Ukraine. There was no funding from USAID and certainly no payment of any kind. 100 percent false.”

Stiller’s visit to Ukraine in June 2022 was in his capacity as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During the trip, he met with displaced Ukrainians and held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two engaged in a public exchange in which Stiller praised Zelensky’s leadership, referring to him as his “hero.” Zelensky, known for his sense of humor, responded by acknowledging Stiller’s acting career.

Following his visit, Stiller shared an emotional video on Instagram, discussing the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine and the importance of supporting refugees. In August 2022, he further expressed his admiration for Ukraine’s resilience, especially under the leadership of President Zelensky during the ongoing crisis.

Despite the false claims circulating online, Stiller remains dedicated to his humanitarian efforts through UNHCR, an organization he has supported for several years. He continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of refugees, drawing attention to the dire situation in Ukraine and other areas affected by conflict.

The spread of misinformation regarding Stiller’s Ukraine trip highlights the challenges of combating false narratives online, particularly in the context of high-profile individuals involved in humanitarian work. As the situation unfolds, Stiller’s commitment to supporting refugees remains unwavering.

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