Hilary Swank expresses deep regret about Chechen event

Hilary Swank at the birthday party and concert in the new "Grozny City" residential
and commercial complex. (Musa Sadulayev - AP)

Hilary Swank has released a statement in the wake of criticism about her attendance of a birthday celebration for controversial Chechen Republic President Ramzan Kadyrov.

The Oscar winner’s rep e-mailed a lengthy explanation and comments from Swank that explained her reasons for showing up at the event alongside other celebrities like Jean Claude Van Damme. The statement says the actress attended primarily to celebrate the opening of a new residential and commercial complex in Grozny City, and that she wished the Chechen Republic president — who has faced allegations of torturing and causing the disappearances of numerous individuals — a happy birthday upon request.

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