Ben Stiller denies USAID funded Ukraine trip: ‘These are lies coming from Russian media’
Ben Stiller denies USAID funded Ukraine trip: ‘These are lies coming from Russian media’
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‘I completely self-funded my humanitarian trip to Ukraine,’ said the Zoolander star. Ben Stiller has denied social media reports that his humanitarian trip to Ukraine was funded by USAID, dismissing the claims as Russian “lies.”. The site also hosted several viral posts related to the agency, including one that included a fake E! News video and claimed that US tax dollars had been spent sending celebrities to Ukraine. The post claimed Angelina Jolie’s visit had cost taxpayers $20 million, Sean Pean’s had cost $5 million and Ben Stiller’s cost $4 million.
“These are lies coming from Russian media,” wrote the Zoolander star. “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 visited Ukraine in June 2022, where he met those affected by the ongoing war with Russia. During a meeting with President Zelensky, Stiller shook Zelensky’s hand and said: “Sir, really nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time. You’re my hero.”.
He added that he was inspired by Zelensky, “for what you’ve done in this country and for the world”. The pair also shared a lighter moment, with Stiller complimenting the President on his “great acting career”. Zelensky responded “Not as great as you,” and laughed. “His incredible sense of how he has risen to the moment and offered his people leadership and true resolve to get through this awful situation.”.
