Hilary Swank to donate Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov party fee

Hilary Swank has promised to donate the fee she received for attending Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov's 35th birthday party.

The Oscar winner and fellow celebrities Jean-Claude Van Damme and Vanessa-Mae were criticised by human rights groups for appearing at the Chechen leader's celebration in Grozny. Kadyrov has been accused of committing various atrocities since coming to power four years ago.

Swank addressed the controversy in a press statement, wherein she said that she is sorry for attending the event.

"I deeply regret attending this event. If I had a full understanding of what this event was apparently intended to be, I would never have gone," she said.

Swank's rep has now promised that she will donate money earned from the appearance to "various charitable organisations", according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Vanessa-Mae and Van Damme have not yet commented on the matter.

Shakira was also rumoured to be appearing at Kadyrov's gala, but insisted days before the event that she had no plans to attend.

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Watch clips of Hilary Swank and Jean-Claude Van Damme at Ramzan Kadyrov's birthday party below: