The celebrities that are still defending Putin — and those that have turned their backs on him

Sophia AnkelMar 2, 2023, 20:53 IST

Pink Floy co-founder Roger Waters (left) and Hollywood actor Steve Seagal.Rick Kern Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been losing friends ever since he invaded Ukraine last year.
But some public figures have stayed loyal to him, including Hollywood actors and musicians.

From actor Leonardo DiCaprio to martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme, some celebrities were once happy to be pictured with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with martial artist Jean-Claude Van Damme during a martial arts event in St Petersburg April 14, 2007.Reuters/Itar-Tass/Presidential Press Service (RUSSIA)

But after the Russian leader launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, many have been eager to distance themselves from him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Eurasian Economic Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on November 9, 2022.Contributor/Getty Images

Martial artist and actor Van Damme, for example, visited Ukraine last month and was filmed shouting "Glory to Ukraine" alongside Russian soldiers.

Leonardo DiCaprio, who met with Putin in 2010 to discuss the endangerment of the Siberian Tiger, has since donated to humanitarian groups operating in Ukraine.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with US actor Leonardo DiCaprio (R) on November 23, 2010.Alexey Druzhinin/AFP via Getty Images

Another former showbiz pal, French actor Gérard Depardieu, has since criticized Putin for his "crazy excesses" and was critical of the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) greets French actor Gérard Depardieu (L) in Sochi, Russia, on January 5, 2013.Mikhail Klimentyev/RIA Novosti/Pool via Reuters

In 2003, the Beatles frontman Paul McCartney visited the Kremlin to perform for Putin. Since the war, he's shown his solidarity with Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R), pop star Paul McCartney (C) and his wife Heather Mills-McCartney (L) walk at the Kremlin in Moscow, on May 24, 2003.Maxim Marmur/AFP via Getty Images

In 2001, actor Jack Nicholson reportedly offered Putin a film producer role in a future film after the Russian leader said he loved his movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Nicholson has since come out in support of Ukraine.

Hollywood star Jack Nicholson (L) gestures as he talks to Russian President Vladimir Putin outside Moscow, Russia, on June 27, 2001.Reuters

In 2001, actor Jack Nicholson reportedly offered Putin a film producer role in a future film after the Russian leader said he loved his movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Nicholson has since come out in support of Ukraine.

However, some A-listers have decided to stay loyal, even if they might not fully agree with the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin carries a bouquet of red roses during a ceremony at the Red Square, in Moscow, on November 4, 2022.Contributor/Getty Images

Arguably his most public supporter is the Hollywood actor Steven Seagal, who also became a Russian citizen in 2016 after Putin personally gave him his passport.

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with actor Steven Seagal after presenting him a Russian passport during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on November 25, 2016.Alexey Druzhinin/AFP via Getty Images

Roger Waters, the co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd, addressed the UN security council at Russia's invitation last month.

Pink Floyd star Roger Waters performs on June 21, 2022.Scott Kowalchyk/CBS/Getty Images

In October last year, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi boasted about his friendship with Putin and said the Russian leader sent him 20 bottles of vodka and a "very sweet letter" for his birthday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (R) are seen in Yalta, Crimea, on September 11, 2015.Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images

In October last year, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi boasted about his friendship with Putin and said the Russian leader sent him 20 bottles of vodka and a "very sweet letter" for his birthday.

The former chief executive of the Formula 1 Group and billionaire Bernard Ecclestone said he would "take a bullet" for Putin last summer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Bernie Ecclestone (right) at Sochi Autodrom in Sochi, Russia, on September 30, 2018.Clive Mason/Getty Images

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The celebrities that are still defending Putin &mdash; and those that have turned their backs on him

From actor Leonardo DiCaprio to martial arts star Jean-Claude Van Damme, some celebrities were once happy to be pictured with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But after the Russian leader launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, many have been eager to distance themselves from him.

Martial artist and actor Van Damme, for example, visited Ukraine last month and was filmed shouting "Glory to Ukraine" alongside Russian soldiers.

Leonardo DiCaprio, who met with Putin in 2010 to discuss the endangerment of the Siberian Tiger, has since donated to humanitarian groups operating in Ukraine.

Another former showbiz pal, French actor Gérard Depardieu, has since criticized Putin for his "crazy excesses" and was critical of the war.

In 2003, the Beatles frontman Paul McCartney visited the Kremlin to perform for Putin. Since the war, he's shown his solidarity with Ukraine.

In 2001, actor Jack Nicholson reportedly offered Putin a film producer role in a future film after the Russian leader said he loved his movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Nicholson has since come out in support of Ukraine.

However, some A-listers have decided to stay loyal, even if they might not fully agree with the war in Ukraine.

Arguably his most public supporter is the Hollywood actor Steven Seagal, who also became a Russian citizen in 2016 after Putin personally gave him his passport.

Roger Waters, the co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd, addressed the UN security council at Russia's invitation last month.

In October last year, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi boasted about his friendship with Putin and said the Russian leader sent him 20 bottles of vodka and a "very sweet letter" for his birthday.

The former chief executive of the Formula 1 Group and billionaire Bernard Ecclestone said he would "take a bullet" for Putin last summer.

The celebrities that are still defending Putin — and those that have turned their backs on him