In the ever stranger world of politics, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has announced that action movie actor Steven Seagal has been appointed a special representative to improve Russian and U.S. humanitarian ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hoped the appointment would serve as a symbol of improving the relationship between Moscow and Washington, Reuters reported.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry described Seagal’s new role as that of a goodwill ambassador charged with deepening ties between the two nations on matters involving culture, art and youth. A statement on the ministry’s Facebook page on Saturday said the position was “socio-political” and the actor would not be paid.
The 66-year-old Seagal, who was born in Michigan, might not be the most effective goodwill ambassador for Americans. He has been accused by more than a dozen women, including several actresses, of sexual harassment and misconduct.
Seagal has been a regular visitor to Russia for years, and Putin granted him a Russian passport in 2016. He’s a close friend and staunch supporter of Putin, whom he has hailed as a “great world leader.” Seagal has said he does not believe Russia interfered in the U.S. presidential election.
Twitter was agog.
