They never liked Russia: 9 bold stars who spoke their truth

Ian McKellen

Ian—famous for playing Gandalf and an openly gay advocate for LGBTQ+ rights—has spoken out strongly against Russia's anti-"gay propaganda" law.

He sees such policies as a wild regression that places the country among the backward and intolerant.

Ian McKellen (photo: instagram.com/ianmckellen)

He doesn't understand how, in the 21st century, such harsh suppression of minority rights is still possible.

"I know what's happening in Russia now, and it's just horrible!" he said back in 2014.

George Clooney

Clooney has expressed concern over Russia's interference in Ukraine's Euromaidan events and its violation of other countries' sovereignty.

He believes Russia still lacks democracy: people cannot freely express their opinions or protest without severe suppression by the authorities.

In his view, Russians live in fear and oppression, and their society remains unfree.

George Clooney (photo: Wikipedia)

Mark Ruffalo

The famous "Hulk" actor sees Russia as a country with a barbaric mindset, particularly in its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.

He believes discrimination against sexual minorities is a mark of underdevelopment and narrow-mindedness.

Ruffalo supports the LGBTQ+ community and sees such views as a sign of societal backwardness.

During a visit to Russia, he felt constant surveillance and said he could even sense the "touch of KGB guards" in the most personal moments.

Mark Ruffalo (photo: Wikipedia)

Morgan Freeman

Freeman clearly separates the Russian people from their government. He believes the leadership—still driven by KGB-style tactics—is to blame.

He accuses Russia's leadership of violating the global order and openly calls out the Kremlin's aggressive policies.

Before the US elections, Freeman appeared in a video describing Russia as an aggressor and urged everyone to confront this threat.

Morgan Freeman (photo: Wikipedia)

Cher

The iconic singer and actress criticizes Russia's lack of freedom and self-expression.

This issue is personal to her, as her own daughter transitioned.

Cher supports transgender rights and openly condemns Russia's conservative policies.

Cher (photo: Wikipedia)

Tom Waits

American musician Tom Waits has intensely disliked the former USSR from the start.

In 2003, he declared that he hates communism and everything associated with it and would never perform in post-Soviet countries.

He even called people from the region "scary." His producer jokingly remarked that everyone has their fears—and Waits' is Russians.

Tom Waits (photo: Wikipedia)

Katy Perry

Unlike most stars who explain their stance, Katy Perry simply says, "I don't like Russia, and that's that."

She once said it's the last place she'd want to visit, believing its people are "barbarians" who reject modern culture and civilization.

After visiting in 2009, she had to apologize to fans, but her personal opinion remained unchanged.

Katy Perry (photo: instagram.com/katyperry)

Jennifer Lawrence

The famous blonde starred in several films related to Russia, including "Red Sparrow," in which she played a Russian spy.

Initially, she hesitated to take the role and later said Russia evokes only negative feelings in her.

During a press event for "Mother!," she even asked Russian journalists to leave the room.

Jennifer Lawrence (photo: Wikipedia)

Her stance stems from opposition to the Kremlin's harsh policies and support for Russian opposition figures.

Alyssa Milano

The "Charmed "star frequently speaks out on major global issues: political violence, human rights abuses, and wars that alter the course of history, with Russia being a key offender.

During the horrific events in Syria, Milano called attention to the humanitarian catastrophe caused by Assad's regime and Russian airstrikes.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians are fleeing the brutal war in Syria. Most of them are women and children. Babies are freezing to death. They are trying to escape Russian and Syrian bombs," she said emotionally, urging followers not to look away.

Alyssa Milano (photo: instagram.com/milano_alyssa)

With the start of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Milano became even more outspoken. She now openly advocates for global support for Ukraine and does not hide her stance on Russian aggression.

In 2023, she joined the UNITED24 platform as an ambassador—her mission is to support Ukrainian education, science, and healthcare.

Earlier, we wrote about five actors who became famous thanks to supporting roles.