Putin to Depardieu: You Are Now Russian!

Gerard Depardieu, who has waged a battle against a proposed super-tax on millionaires in his native country of France, has been granted Russian citizenship. A brief announcement on the Kremlin website revealed that President Vladimir Putin, who had previously expressed solidarity with Depardieu, signed the citizenship grant today. A representative for the actor declined to say whether he had accepted the Russian offer and refused all comment.

The former Oscar nominee and star of the movie Green Card has been vocal in his opposition to French President Francois Hollande's plans to raise the tax on earned income above $1.33 million to 75% from the current high of 41%. The law was struck down by France's highest court but is expected to be resubmitted in a slightly different form soon. (More Gerard Depardieu stories.)