Steven Seagal, former Hollywood star and now a familiar face in Russian propaganda, recently appeared unrecognizable in a new video promoting Russia’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict. The 72-year-old actor, once known for his martial arts moves and tough-guy roles, has gained considerable weight, causing a stir among those who remember his Hollywood days. In the video titled “In the Name of Justice,” Seagal is seen engaging with Russian officials and addressing Ukrainian soldiers accused by Russia of “crimes against civilians.” His appearance, particularly his expanded waistline, drew attention and sparked comments from former colleagues.
“Seagal, as a rule, controlled the narrative hard when filming as he insisted on certain camera angles and nothing that accentuates his weight gain,” a former co-worker reportedly told The New York Post. The actor, who was once a household name in the action genre, is often seen wearing loose-fitting mandarin coats that provide coverage. In this recent video, however, he’s seen struggling to hide his noticeable weight gain.
The video itself follows Seagal as he tours regions impacted by the Ukraine conflict, promoting the narrative that Ukrainians are responsible for their circumstances. Seagal’s support for Putin has been evident over the years, with his longstanding admiration of the Russian leader frequently landing him in controversies.
His friendship with Putin has been well-documented, with Seagal once calling the Russian president “a brother” and one of “the greatest living world leaders.” This bond has only grown stronger, especially after Seagal obtained Russian citizenship in 2016. The following year, Seagal was appointed as a Russian envoy to the U.S., a position intended to help foster cultural ties. Despite his position, Seagal’s outspoken support for Putin’s policies has been met with criticism, especially regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In recent years, Seagal has distanced himself from his American roots, even selling off his American properties after gaining Russian citizenship. He once claimed he felt “1 million percent Russian” and has since aligned himself with pro-Russian viewpoints, particularly regarding Ukraine. Back in 2020, he participated in a video where he labeled Ukrainians as “Nazis,” reinforcing the Kremlin’s divisive rhetoric. Seagal’s role in Russian media as a celebrity ally has cast him as a rare Western figure actively supporting Moscow’s agenda.
Seagal’s personal journey to Russia seems to echo his shifting identity and beliefs. Raised in America, he developed an early interest in martial arts and later found fame with films like “Above the Law” and “Under Siege” during the ‘80s and ‘90s. His bond with Putin appears rooted in their shared martial arts background, leading Seagal to become a regular fixture in Russian media events. They have even attended martial arts gatherings together, with Seagal often voicing support for Putin’s actions on the international stage.
In the propaganda video, Seagal’s appearance drew significant commentary as he reportedly appeared with a noticeably swollen belly and tight-fitting clothing. This image is far removed from the actor who once starred as an agile action hero. Reflecting on his Hollywood past, former colleagues hinted that Seagal would likely be highly conscious of his portrayal, given his control over his image in past projects.
The unusual alliance between Seagal and Putin has often sparked curiosity and criticism. Seagal has publicly defended Putin’s moves in Crimea and has suggested in interviews that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine stems from external influences trying to sow discord. “Most of us have friends and family in Russia and Ukraine,” Seagal told Fox News in an earlier interview. “I look at both as one family and really believe it is an outside entity spending huge sums of money on propaganda to provoke the two countries to be at odds with each other. My prayers are that both countries will come to a positive, peaceful resolution where we can live and thrive together in peace.”
Seagal’s controversial comments and support for Putin ultimately cost him access to Ukraine, where he was banned in 2017 due to being considered a national security threat. Yet, his alignment with Russian interests has only grown stronger, with recent appearances showcasing his unwavering commitment to the Russian state and his dramatic transformation from American action star to Russian propagandist. This ongoing shift has cemented Seagal’s role as one of the few Western figures actively supporting Putin’s narrative, standing out as an unexpected figure in the world of international politics.
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