‘Paid creatures’: an actress from ‘Kvartal 95’ apologized for jokes about Skadovsk, calling Ukrainians names for the criticism

The actress Irina Gatun, who portrayed a displaced person from Skadovsk in a derogatory manner, sparking scandal, has labeled those “stirring up hate” around this skit on “Kvartal 95” as “paid creatures.”

She posted a video about it on her Instagram.

“To those genuinely offended – I apologize. Sincerely. The essence of the sketch was that we should speak our native language in our country, even if it doesn’t come out perfectly at first. That’s all. And to those truly affected by this — I sincerely apologize once again. But to those paid creatures deliberately stirring up this hate, I want to say to you and your Putin – go to hell,” said the actress.

Later, Irina Gatun was added to the “Myrotvorets” website. The reason – a photo from Crimea, which she visited several times after the annexation. Also, on social media, photos of her from May 9, 2015, in Soviet military uniform were found.

Earlier the production studio ‘Kvartal 95’ has been embroiled in a scandal due to a New Year’s sketch that humiliates the residents of Skadovsk, located in the part of the Kherson region occupied by the Russians.

The controversy surrounds a scene about a girl who supposedly moved from Skadovsk to Zakarpattia. In the sketch, she attempts to speak Ukrainian but makes mistakes and can’t even remember the pronunciation of elementary words.

When a resident of Zakarpattia, played by actor Yuriy Velykiy, asks her where she’s from and why she didn’t speak Ukrainian before, she responds that she’s from Skadovsk.

Notably, the audience in the hall laughs heartily in the background.

The act has sparked a barrage of criticism directed at ’95 Kvartal.’

In particular, the Mayor of Skadovsk, Alexander Yakovlev, made a statement against such jokes aimed at Skadovsk residents who need support.

“Jokes about ‘boobs’ from Skadovsk might seem very witty to someone. But let it be on the conscience of the directors. I hope they have the strength to apologize to Ukrainians,” stated the mayor.