Viktoriya Bonya, the former participant of the popular project "Dom-2" and now a model and blogger, has found herself at the center of controversy following her public support for Ukrainian boxer Alexander Usyk. This came on the heels of Usyk’s triumphant victory over British heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, creating waves of reaction among supporters and critics alike.
After Usyk won the fight on December 21, 2024, Bonya took to social media to congratulate him, posting photographs and expressing admiration for his skills. "Congratulations! A worthy fight, Usyk defended his title. This deserves respect!" she wrote, inciting rampant debate among Russian commentators and fans.
Usyk’s actions leading up to the bout, particularly his display of flags and symbols associated with controversial political movements, raised alarm for many. At the weigh-in, he was seen with flags supporting Ukrainian units recognized as terrorist organizations by Russia, causing additional ire among his Russian audience.
Ekaterina Mizulina, director of the Internet Safety League, sharply criticized Bonya's support for Usyk, labeling her as "an information destroyer" and asserting, "It is obvious such actions are a slap in the face to Russia, all our athletes, and the participants of the special military operation." Her comments reflect a deep-rooted concern within some segments of Russian society about public figures expressing admiration for Ukrainian athletes.
Responding to the backlash, Bonya swiftly deleted her posts and recorded a video attempting to clarify her position. She emphasized her long-standing passion for boxing, stating, "Your pathetic attempts to make me out to be a traitor to my homeland are simply inappropriate. I have only one passport — and it's the passport of Russia!" Bonya mentioned her consistent support for Russia by carrying the national flag during her travels, particularly on her hikes across European landscapes.
Despite her attempts to detach her sports enthusiasm from political affiliations, the public's reaction was turbulent. Activists and various social media users condemned her visit to support Usyk with numerous calls for authorities to investigate her alleged connections with Ukraine's military. Accusations ranged from financial support to Usyk’s camp to inquiries about her motives for attending the match. Critics claimed, "The fact she congratulated Usyk, who has openly expressed hostility toward Russians, cannot be overlooked."
Through social media, many users called for Bonya to apologize or face consequences such as exclusion from returning to Russia. One commentator even threatened to bring the matter before law enforcement, declaring, "Those who support terrorists cannot be patriots of their country." Appreciative fans of Bonya defended her onlook, stating her support for sports should be separate from political stances.
The incident has illuminated the societal rift within Russia over athletes from Ukraine and their diaspora, especially as current political relations remain strained. On one hand, public opinion is divided on how to show support and appreciation for athletes of differing nationalities. Bonya's case demonstrates the challenges faced by public figures who navigate such fraught political landscapes.
Speculation continues about Bonya's status and response to the potential legal ramifications hinted at by her detractors. With calls for scrutiny around her activities, it raises the question of how public sentiment will shape the narratives around athletes during these politically tumultuous times.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding her support for Usyk, Bonya reinforces her identity as Russian and dismisses any implication of dual loyalty: "I have lived for 12 years abroad but have always supported my country." Her public assertions may serve to highlight the divide between personal admiration for sports and the harsh realities of political affiliations.
To date, no formal charges have been levied against her, but the murmurs among groups seeking action indicate Bonya’s cases might prepare the way for future societal repercussions amid turbulent national sentiments.
