Film director Oliver Stone has responded to the controversy around his comments where he appeared to show support for Russia’s anti-gay laws.

Stone was interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin for an upcoming documentary project. Stone has interviewed the Russian leader several times in the past.

In a transcript released by the Kremlin Putin highlights that Russian has laws that stop any information about homosexuality being seen by minors. Stone responds that he thinks it is a ‘sensible law’. The laws have been widely criticised by human rights groups since they were introduced several years ago.

The Platoon director says neither he or Russian President Vladimir Putin are anti-LGBTI and if people need proof they should go and watch his film Alexander. In a post to his Facebook page Stone said the 2004 film was proof that he was not homophobic.

“Have another look at Alexander, for which we took a beating in 2004. Beyond the Hephaestion story in the sexuality department, I prominently featured Alexander’s love for the Persian eunuch Bagoas, certainly an example of a third sex and emblematic of Alexander’s world vision, which I much admired.

“Do not bring American expectations to Russian life any more than you expect Iran, Korea, Venezuela, or China to follow our political or social demands.” Stone said.  

OIP Staff