Ian McKellen confirms he is not in Ukraine after social media photo sparks confusion
Fans had erroneously believed actor was in Lviv
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Ian McKellen has cleared up the confusion after a photo circulated online leading fans to believe he was in Lviv, Ukraine.
The Lord of the Rings star confirmed that he has not visited the country amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Lviv has been under attack from Vladimir Putin’s army in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a Russian missile attack on the western city left at least seven people dead.
Recently a photo circulated on social media, which made fans believe that McKellen had flown to Lviv, where Angelina Jolie had been spotted.
“Despite reports and supposed photographs circulating online, I have not visited Lviv or elsewhere in Ukraine,” the actor wrote on Twitter.
The speculation began after Ukrainian writer Maksym Baspalov shared a photo of himself with McKellen and tagged the location as Ukraine.
After the photo went viral on social media, Baspalov explained that the photo was taken in London in November 2021.
He has since replied to the actor’s tweet, writing: ‘It was my joke on FB, sorry. I also wrote about Bruce Lee, but medias published only a news about you.”
He later asked the actor to visit the country, stating: “I’m an author of the photo. Dear sir McKellen, visit Ukraine, please. It would be very inspirating for us! [sic].”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Jolie, who is a special envoy for the UN and has been doing humanitarian work for years, was seen in the city getting coffee this week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments