Russia Says 'Nyet' to George Clooney's Foundation—But He’s Still ‘Sexiest Man Alive’

Russia has declared the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), a nonprofit organization founded by Hollywood actor George Clooney and his wife, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, as “undesirable.” This decision, announced on Monday by Russian authorities, effectively bans the foundation from operating within the country. 

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, established in 2016, is dedicated to investigating human rights abuses worldwide. According to its website, the foundation has been "actively investigating war crimes in Ukraine," a focus that appears to have drawn the ire of Russian officials.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Russia's Prosecutor General’s Office accused the foundation of working to "discredit Russia on a Hollywood scale." The statement further claimed that the CFJ supports "pseudo-patriots" who have left Russia, as well as members of banned extremist groups and terrorist organizations. The statement did not provide specific examples or evidence to support these accusations.

The decision to ban the Clooney Foundation is part of a broader crackdown by the Russian government on foreign organizations and civil society groups that are critical of President Vladimir Putin’s regime. Since 2015, Russia has labeled dozens of foreign charities, think tanks, and other organizations as “undesirable,” a designation that prohibits these groups from operating in the country and forbids Russian banks and companies from engaging with them.

The Clooney Foundation for Justice has been involved in various high-profile cases and human rights initiatives around the world. Its work in Ukraine, particularly its investigations into alleged war crimes amid the ongoing conflict, has been a significant focus of its recent activities. This has likely contributed to Russia’s decision to target the foundation.

George Clooney, a two-time recipient of the title “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine, is not only a renowned actor but also a prominent advocate for human rights. His wife, Amal Clooney, is an internationally recognized lawyer who has represented clients in cases involving human rights violations, international law, and freedom of speech. Together, they have used their platform to shed light on issues of justice and accountability, often placing themselves at odds with authoritarian governments.

The move to ban the Clooney Foundation shows the growing tensions between Russia and the international community, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. It also highlights the increasing risks faced by organizations and individuals who challenge the Russian government’s actions.

The designation of the CFJ as “undesirable” means that the foundation’s activities in Russia must cease immediately, and any Russian entities that continue to collaborate with the foundation could face legal repercussions. This action is likely to be seen as another step by the Russian government to silence dissent and control the narrative surrounding its actions, both domestically and internationally.

Despite this setback, the Clooney Foundation for Justice is expected to continue its work outside of Russia, including its investigations into human rights abuses and war crimes. The ban in Russia, however, represents a significant challenge for the foundation’s efforts to hold those responsible for violations accountable in one of the world’s most contentious conflict zones.