Duchovny defends ‘pro-Russian’ beer ad

Former X-Files actor, David Duchovny, has defended his decision to appear in a Russian beer ad which appears to support its controversial president, Vladimir Putin, exacerbating political tensions between the US and Russia.

The commercial, promoting beer brand Siberian Crown, sees the actor ponder how his life might have been different had he grown up in Russia, rather than America.

Throughout the ad Duchovny is seen posing as an astronaut, a dance instructor and an ice hockey player.

While Duchovny has insisted it was merely an ad for beer, it has been interpreted by some as a pro-Russian statement and criticised as being insensitive given the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine and the recent Malaysia Airlines tragedy, which was allegedly shot down by pro-Russia separatists.

Duchovny has since admitted the timing was unfortunate but that it was not indicative of his political views.

A statement issued to TMZ.com by Duchovny said: “I am proud of my Russian, Ukrainian, Scottish and Polish heritage as I am proud of my American heritage.

“But being proud of one’s ancestry is not a political statement on any current government or public policies”, adding: “”In retrospect, and in light of recent tragic events, I can now see the potential for misunderstanding and hope people will understand.”