Hollywood actor Ben Stiller vehemently denies receiving millions from USAID for his Ukraine trip. The star claims Russian propaganda is behind the false accusations circulating on social media. Conservative figures, including Donald Trump Jr., have shared the misleading information, raising questions about celebrity involvement in foreign affairs and government spending.
Ben Stiller Fights Back Against Russian Lies
Ben Stiller, known for his comedic roles, is now in a serious battle against misinformation. The actor has strongly refuted claims that he received $4 million from USAID for his humanitarian trip to Ukraine.
Ben Stiller says it is 100% false that he received money from USAID. pic.twitter.com/RwKb7yhksa
— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) February 6, 2025
Stiller’s denial comes after a viral video, shared by prominent conservative figures, alleged massive payouts to celebrities for Ukraine advocacy. The actor insists his trip was entirely self-funded, with no government involvement.
Conservative Voices Amplify Misinformation
Despite community notes debunking the claims, the false information spread rapidly. Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk were among those who shared the misleading video, which garnered nearly a million views.
“These are lies coming from Russian media,” Stiller stated emphatically, addressing the baseless accusations. The actor’s frustration is palpable as he fights to clear his name.
Elon Musk, known for his controversial statements, criticized USAID on his platform X. He referred to the agency as a “criminal enterprise,” further fueling the debate over government spending and foreign aid.
Ukraine Conflict Continues Amid Misinformation War
As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters its third year, the spread of misinformation poses additional challenges. Stiller’s visit to Ukraine in June 2022 was part of his role as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador, not a government-funded publicity stunt.
During his visit, Stiller met with President Zelensky, praising his leadership. “Sir, really nice to meet you. Thanks for taking the time. You’re my hero,” Stiller told the Ukrainian leader, highlighting the impact of celebrity diplomacy.
The ongoing war has displaced millions of Ukrainians, a fact Stiller emphasized during his humanitarian mission. His efforts to raise awareness now face scrutiny amid a sea of false claims and political posturing.
As the misinformation battle rages on, conservative voices continue to question the role of celebrities in international affairs. The incident highlights the need for vigilance in verifying information, especially when it aligns with preexisting political beliefs.