Latest news with #FrancineVilla
News18
18-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Black American Woman Escapes US Racism By Moving To Russia, Faces Same Treatment Abroad
Last Updated: Francine Villa once became famous for her appearance in the 2020 RT documentary titles Black in the USSR. Racism is a serious problem faced by many, especially when they move to a nation where the population has a fairer complexion than them. However, imagine moving to another country in the hope of escaping the horrors of racism, only to get treated the same way or worse. This is not a scene out of a Hollywood movie but a real-life experience of a Black American woman. Francine Villa once became famous for her appearance in the 2020 RT documentary Black in the USSR. She had claimed at the time, 'I feel free living in Russia, because in Russia, no matter what time it is, I can walk outside and I'm safe." Her statement gave hope to many who live under the threat of racial treatment in the US or other Western nations. The New York Post. Villa, a Russian-born Black woman, was raised in the US during her growing years. She planned to escape discrimination by seeking refuge in Moscow. The irony is that she again faced similar attacks in Russia and also shared footage of her injuries. She narrated the details of the assault, mentioning that her dreams have now turned into nightmares. In the video, the neighbours can be seen blocking Villa's path as she tries to enter her own apartment. Moreover, she was asked questions related to her identification and proof of her stay in Russia. As per claims, her electricity was also cut off in an attempt to harass her and her baby. Social media came to Villa's support after hearing her story, however, they quickly questioned her decision to move to Russia to escape the racism in the US. The incident brings to light racial discrimination as one of the major problems in today's world of globalisation. Amid migration of people in search of better living opportunities, such treatment brings discouragement and doubt. It is not just a one-country-specific problem, but a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed globally. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Of all places, you chose the whitest one?': Black American woman moved to Russia calling it ‘safe haven', gets beaten by racist neighbours; social media reacts
(Photo: X) A Black American woman who once said she felt 'safe' in Russia has now revealed that she and her child were attacked by racist neighbours in Moscow. Francine Villa had moved from the United States to Russia, hoping to escape racial discrimination. However, in a viral video, she revealed that her dream had turned into a nightmare after the assault. Villa claimed both she and her 2-year-old baby were brutally beaten by locals in a racist attack, reports New York Post. She also said that the neighbours hurled racial slurs at her in Russian. The incident has shocked many who remember her earlier praise of life in Russia. Villa had previously shared her experience of moving to Moscow in the 2020 documentary 'Black in the USSR', which aired on Russian state media outlet RT. At the time, she spoke warmly about the country, saying, 'I feel free living in Russia, because in Russia, no matter what time it is, I can walk outside and I'm safe.' Five years later, she says that belief has been shattered. In her video, with a seemingly bloodied mouth and visible injuries, Villa said the attack was not only terrifying but felt like a cruel twist, as it happened in the country she believed would be her safe haven." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo 'The fact that the attack occurred in her homeland is an extra painful blow,' she added. In the video, the neighbours could be seen blocking Villa from entering her own apartment, demanded her identity, and asked how long she had been living in Russia. They also cut off the electricity, according to Villa. Social media users have reacted with concern and sympathy, with many pointing out the irony of someone fleeing racism in the US only to encounter it in Russia. Others have pointed out that moving to another country doesn't always mean you can escape discrimination. "Why didn't she go to Africa?" said one user on X, using casual racism to mock her. Another said: "Why Russia of all places?" "I mean people who live in Russia even want to leave Russia and she decided to move there!" added another user. Another quipped: "of all places ??? you went to the whitest one ????"
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Black woman who left US for Russia to escape ‘discrimination' is beaten by racist neighbors
A black woman who moved from the US to Russia to escape 'discrimination' and 'racism' revealed on social media that the entire plan backfired on her in a disturbing way. In a heartbreaking video, Francine Villa claims both she and her baby were brutally attacked by racist neighbors in Moscow. The fact that the attack occurred in her homeland is an extra painful blow. Villa had previously spoken about her move back in the 2020 documentary 'Black in the USSR' which aired on the Russian State Media channel, RT. After a year of living in Moscow, she told RT, 'I feel free living in Russia, because in Russia, no matter what time it is, I can walk outside and I'm safe.' Five years later, that proved to be a fantasy.
