Danila Kozlovskiy, the well-known Russian actor, has emerged victorious from a defamation lawsuit against Vitaliy Borodin, the head of the Federal Project for Security and Anti-Corruption. Kozlovskiy was accused by Borodin of promoting extremism and discrediting the Russian armed forces, claims the court found to be false and damaging to Kozlovskiy’s reputation.
The conflict began when Borodin alleged, back in April 2023, during Russia’s special operation on Ukraine, Kozlovskiy had fled to the USA and later returned to Moscow to perform. This claim was compounded by allegations of funding Ukrainian forces due to associations with foreign agents. Borodin’s statements led him to demand investigations from Russian authorities, stating he believed Kozlovskiy supported anti-government protests, which he linked to extremism.
After the ruling, Kozlovskiy took to social media to declare, “With Borodin, the point has been established. It was important for me to protect my reputation from this nonsense, because: 1. I live in Moscow. 2. I didn’t 'run away.' 3. I’m home. 4. I’ve never stopped loving my home.” His insistence on not abandoning Russia illustrated his commitment to his roots and the importance of clarifying his position amid the accusations.
The court’s decision emphasized Borodin’s claims were unfounded. The ruling stated, "The statements... are recognized by the court as inconsistent with reality and damaging to the honor, dignity, and business reputation of Kozlovskiy Danila Valeryevich." Following the loss, Borodin was required to retract his defamatory statements and pay Kozlovskiy 1 ruble as symbolic compensation.
This victory, which formalized the court’s recognition of Kozlovskiy’s honor and reputation, came amid serious consequences for the actor. The allegations from Borodin had resulted in several of his performances being canceled, as well as his name being removed from the credits of some films. Notably, the Ministry of Culture had even denied permits for the screening of projects he was involved with.
Throughout the legal process, Kozlovskiy remained firm about his position, ensuring to clarify he never had second citizenship, nor did he intend to call for protests as implied by Borodin’s accusations. Instead, he argued his prior comments, attributed to him by Borodin, were taken out of the historical drama filming environment and misconstrued.
The court's ruling entered effect as of 2024, and even though Borodin stated his intention to appeal the decision, the legal battle had undoubtedly placed Kozlovskiy’s career under strain, highlighting the broader issue of celebrity treatment within political contexts.
Kozlovskiy’s resilience showcases not just his commitment to his work but also the complicated relationship between public figures and their nation during times of political unrest. His comments post-verdict portray not just relief but also serve as affirmation of his commitment to Russia: “I continue to live in Russia,” he stated, underscoring his resolve to remain connected to his homeland amid rising tensions and public scrutiny.
This case marks not just another chapter for Kozlovskiy but also reflects the broader challenges artists face when their views intersect with political narratives, particularly in times of societal upheaval.