Debunked Video Falsely Claims USAID Funded Celebrity Visits to Ukraine
A fabricated video, widely shared online, falsely alleges USAID paid millions to celebrities for trips to Ukraine, with experts pointing to Russian disinformation tactics.
- A viral video falsely claims USAID paid celebrities, including Ben Stiller and Angelina Jolie, millions to visit Ukraine and support President Zelensky.
- Ben Stiller and other celebrities named in the video have publicly denied the allegations, stating their trips were self-funded and unrelated to USAID.
- Experts and researchers suggest the video is a product of Russian disinformation, aiming to discredit USAID and the U.S. government.
- The video was amplified online by prominent figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., despite being debunked by fact-checkers and E! News denying any involvement.
- The timing of the video's release coincides with Musk's announcement of plans to overhaul USAID, a move praised by Russian state media.