The Belgian actor has been named ambassador for the outreach of youth, wildlife and for investments in America and Asia.
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Red carpet, welcome with great fanfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was received by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi… The week ended for Jean-Claude Van Damme with an appointment as Ambassador for Youth, Culture and Biodiversity. During his press conference in Kinshasa on April 6, the actor did not hide his satisfaction, with sentences of which he has the secret and which delight his fans. “It is with great joy that I receive this passport as an ambassador. In Belgium, I was only born in Belgium. In Congo, I was born in Congo. In America, I was born in America. In China, in china. (…) But I am proud to be born here in Congo”, welcomes Jean Claude Van Damme.
#RDC: “I am very proud to be born here in the Congo”: Jean Claude Van Damme at a press conference this Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/Zdjl0wJcDX
— Rachel Kitsita Ndongo (@rkitsita) April 6, 2022
Was Jean-Claude Van Damme really born in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo? The controversy swelled immediately on social networks. Some have unearthed old videos in which the actor claims to have been born in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, a municipality in Brussels. “In view of his biography, it therefore appears that Jean-Claude Van Damme was not born in Lubambashi or even less in the DRC. (…) However, he loves this country so much that he has undertaken to radiate around the world”Voice of Congo slice.
The actor intends to promote another image of the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I will try to convince international stars Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Jacky Chan and many others. There are also singers or singers like Jennifer Lopez, footballers like Messi, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, They have to come to this country to show that there is security, to show that the Congo can protect showbiz actors”, did he declare.
Jean-Claude Van Damme is not the first artist to receive a Congolese diplomatic passport. RFI recalls that singers Gims and Dadju have also been honored in the past.