Actor Ben Stiller vehemently refutes claims of receiving USAID funding for his humanitarian trip to Ukraine, as misinformation spreads on social media.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Stiller denies receiving any USAID funding for his Ukraine trip, calling the allegations “Russian lies”
- False claims on social media alleged millions in USAID funding for celebrity visits to Ukraine
- The misinformation spread widely, shared by high-profile figures including Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr.
- Stiller’s visit was part of his role as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador and was self-funded
- The incident highlights the challenges of information verification amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict
Stiller Refutes USAID Funding Claims
Hollywood actor Ben Stiller has forcefully denied allegations that he received funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for his humanitarian trip to Ukraine. The claims, which originated from Russian media sources, have been circulating widely on social media platforms, causing a stir among netizens and prompting Stiller to speak out.
In response to these allegations, Stiller stated unequivocally, “There was no funding from USAID and certainly no payment of any kind.” He further emphasized that the claims were “100% false” and attributed them to Russian propaganda efforts. The actor’s firm denial comes as the misinformation continues to spread, despite efforts to debunk it.
As I predicted, Elon has let loose a thousand bogus stories about USAID. He is the king of misinformation. https://t.co/jgs4TjLyA2
— Richard Bradley (@RPBradley1) February 5, 2025
The Spread of Misinformation
The false narrative gained traction when a video was shared by an account called “Patriot Lady” and subsequently reposted by influential figures such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr. The video falsely claimed that USAID had funded celebrity visits to Ukraine, alleging that Stiller received $4 million, Angelina Jolie $20 million, and Sean Penn $5 million.
“These are lies coming from Russian media,” Stiller declared, addressing the baseless accusations.
Despite a community note on the original tweet identifying the source as an unreliable Russian site, the video received nearly a million views. This rapid spread of misinformation underscores the challenges of maintaining accurate public discourse in the age of social media, especially concerning sensitive geopolitical issues.
Stiller’s Actual Mission in Ukraine
Contrary to the false claims, Stiller’s visit to Ukraine in June 2022 was part of his role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The trip, which coincided with World Refugee Day, was entirely self-funded and had no connection to USAID.
“Sir, really nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time. You’re my hero,” Stiller told President Zelensky during their meeting, to which Zelensky replied, “Not as great as you.”
During his visit, Stiller met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and praised his leadership. The actor also highlighted the impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukrainian citizens, noting that millions have been displaced. His mission aimed to raise awareness about the refugee crisis resulting from the war, which has now entered its third year.
Unverified claims spread like wildfire when they match what we want to believe. No proof, just outrage. Even after denial, the damage is done. Misinformation is faster and cheaper than truth. We’ve all seen it. How about next time, let’s pause and check the facts before we share. https://t.co/Tvcrq6ejM8
— Michael O'Herlihy (@michaelo) February 6, 2025
Ongoing Controversy and Scrutiny
The false claims about celebrity funding have emerged amid increased scrutiny of USAID operations. Elon Musk, who shared the misleading video, has criticized USAID on his social media platform X, calling it a “criminal enterprise.” This controversy has led to USAID facing a temporary shutdown for budget auditing, sparking debates about the agency’s use of taxpayer money.
Despite clarifications from Stiller and fact-checking efforts, neither Musk nor Trump Jr. has removed the video from their platforms. Similarly, former Trump lawyer Sydney Powell, who also shared the video, has not retracted her post despite Stiller’s direct refutation: “Totally false. Untrue.”
This incident highlights the complex landscape of information verification in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As the war continues, the spread of misinformation poses significant challenges to public understanding and diplomatic efforts, underscoring the need for critical evaluation of online content and responsible sharing practices.
Sources:
- Ben Stiller denies receiving USAID money for humanitarian trip to Ukraine: ‘These are lies from Russian media’
- Ben Stiller denies USAID funded Ukraine trip: ‘These are lies coming from Russian media’ | The Independent
- Ben Stiller Debunks Elon Musk-Amplified Tweet Claiming Actor Took USAID Money For Ukraine Trip
