Italian actress Ornella Muti and her daughter, Naike Rivelli, have formally applied for Russian citizenship, according to reports from the Italian news agency ANSA. The pair stated their intent to the Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, citing a desire to feel “at home” in the country. Rivelli noted that both she and her mother identify with Russian roots, which she described as an inseparable part of their heritage and personal connections.
Motivations and Cultural Ties
Rivelli framed the move as an appreciation for Russian culture and its people, telling RIA Novosti that many Italians share a fondness for the nation. The public announcement did not address the ongoing war in Ukraine. For Muti, the interest in Russia is long-standing. The actress has publicly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions, a relationship that has previously drawn legal scrutiny in her home country.
In 2010, an Italian court sentenced Muti to six months in prison and a 500-euro fine for fraud. The case centered on a performance at the Verdi Theatre that Muti canceled, claiming she was too ill to appear. However, media reports and photographs later surfaced showing the actress in the company of the Russian president in Moscow during the time she was scheduled to perform.
Did you know?
Ornella Muti is not the first Western public figure to seek Russian citizenship. The trend has seen varied outcomes for high-profile individuals, ranging from tax-motivated residency to political disillusionment.
Precedents: The Cases of Gérard Depardieu and Steven Seagal
The pursuit of Russian citizenship by Western entertainers has often resulted in complex political and personal fallout. French film legend Gérard Depardieu received a Russian passport in January 2013, with the decree signed personally by Putin. At the time, Depardieu sought to avoid high tax rates in France, famously calling Russia “the greatest democracy in the world” and comparing Putin to Pope John Paul II.
The relationship shifted significantly following the invasion of Ukraine. Depardieu described the military action as an “unacceptable and insane excess,” leading to a backlash within Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested the actor did not “fully understand the situation,” and some Russian lawmakers called for his citizenship to be revoked. Depardieu further distanced himself from the Kremlin by pledging concert proceeds to victims of the war in Ukraine.
Conversely, action star Steven Seagal has maintained a more consistent alignment with the Russian state. Seagal, who has Russian ancestry, was granted a Russian passport in 2016. By 2018, he was appointed as a special representative of Russia for humanitarian ties with the United States. President Donald Trump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Western celebrities apply for Russian citizenship?
Motivations vary by individual. Some, like Gérard Depardieu, cited tax advantages, while others, such as Ornella Muti and Steven Seagal, have pointed to personal cultural ties or ideological alignment with the Russian leadership.
What happens if a celebrity criticizes the Russian government after becoming a citizen?
As seen in the case of Gérard Depardieu, public criticism of the Russian state can lead to condemnation from government officials and calls from lawmakers to strip the individual of their citizenship.
Does Russian citizenship automatically revoke an individual’s original nationality?
The provided sources do not contain information regarding whether Russian citizenship automatically revokes an individual’s original nationality.
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