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Hollywood Titans Seagal and Van Damme Bury the Hatchet After Decades-Long Rivalry
In a surprising turn of events, action movie icons Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme have reportedly put an end to their protracted feud, stunning fans after three decades of animosity. The two martial arts legends, once considered bitter rivals, were recently photographed together at Seagal’s birthday celebration, signaling a potential thawing of relations between the Hollywood action stars. This unexpected reconciliation has generated considerable buzz, with some online observers initially questioning the authenticity of the images, even suggesting they might be AI-generated.
A History of Bad Blood
During his peak popularity in the 1990s, Seagal, now 73, frequently used interviews as a platform to disparage Van Damme, 64, casting doubt on his martial arts credentials. The star of 90s action hits like Under Siege and Marked for Death had previously asserted he could effortlessly defeat Van Damme in a physical confrontation, famously stating he would “squash” him “like an ant.” He even dismissed the notion of Van Damme being a “tough guy” or martial artist when raised by interviewers.
Unexpected Truce Sparks Fan Frenzy
However, on April 10, Van Damme shared a video on Instagram showing him with his arm around Seagal, referring to him as a “good friend” and extending birthday wishes. This display of camaraderie has ignited a social media storm, with many fans expressing disbelief and initially speculating about the footage’s legitimacy. The sheer unexpectedness of this truce between Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme fueled concerns about artificial intelligence manipulation.
- Initial Skepticism: Fans questioned the authenticity of the photos.
- Official Confirmation: Seagal’s account verified the images as genuine.
‘Absolutely Real’ Reunion Confirmed
Responding to the online speculation, Seagal’s official account commented on the April 10 post, confirming that the pictures were indeed “absolutely real,” dispelling rumors of AI manipulation. Seagal added a cryptic caption to the photos of himself and Van Damme: “Another journey that some would strive to rise to legendary work.”
Hint of Future Collaboration?
Adding further intrigue, Van Damme’s Instagram post also included a tease about potential future projects. He wrote, “Big announcement coming soon!” igniting speculation about a possible collaboration between the two former rivals.
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Recalling Past Insults
In a YouTube compilation of past Seagal interviews from 2017, the action star reiterated his dismissive stance towards Van Damme, claiming a fight between them “would be like me squashing an ant.” In another clip, Seagal asserted, “If he sees me he runs.” He also contested Van Damme’s status as a champion in a 1990s talk show appearance, suggesting widespread doubt about his achievements.
Seagal’s Derogatory Remarks
In an AXS TV interview, when prompted for his “thoughts on Van Damme” as a “Hollywood tough guy,” Seagal responded with scorn, asking, “Can I laugh in your face? … Do I think Jean-Claude is a tough guy or a martial artist? No.”
Fans React to Reconciliation
Van Damme’s devoted fans have not forgotten Seagal’s past criticisms. Underneath the photos of the two action film personalities together on Van Damme’s Facebook page, followers voiced mixed reactions. One fan commented on Facebook, emphasizing the sting of past insults: “Wow! If I were you I wouldn’t sit down with him regardless of what day it was after the things he has said about you.”
Fan Acclaim for Van Damme’s Maturity
Another fan lauded Van Damme’s magnanimity: “After all the crap Seagul [sic] said about JCVD throughout the years he proved who’s the real grownup. What an absolute legend is Van Damme!” This sentiment highlighted the perceived grace with which Van Damme appeared to have navigated the reconciliation, overshadowing Seagal’s past negativity.
Seagal’s Eastern European Ties and Controversies
Seagal’s recent rapprochement with his Hollywood nemesis occurs against the backdrop of his relocation to Eastern Europe and Russia. This move followed his long-standing friendship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Seagal has publicly praised Putin as “one of the greatest world leaders” and expressed a desire to consider him a “brother” in a 2014 interview.
Pro-Russia Documentary and Public Image
Reports last year detailed Seagal’s participation in a Russian propaganda documentary about the Ukraine conflict, titled In The Name of Justice. Footage from the documentary depicted a visibly heavier Seagal in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories amidst scenes of destruction. Since gaining Russian citizenship in 2016, Seagal has maintained close ties to the country, a decision reportedly facilitated by his ancestral connections to Vladivostock.
Past Allegations and Controversies
Seagal’s departure for Russia coincided with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office reviewing a sex abuse case against him, stemming from decades of allegations by women who had worked with him. Although prosecution was ultimately declined due to statute of limitations, this was not the first time the Out for Justice star faced accusations of sexual harassment and misconduct. Numerous women, including actresses and industry professionals, have come forward with allegations of sexual assault and fostering hostile work environments on set.
Reputation for On-Set Bullying
Beyond sexual misconduct claims, Seagal has also garnered a reputation for alleged bullying and aggressive behavior on film sets. Actor John Leguizamo described him as a “bully” based on their experience working together on the 1996 film Executive Decision. Leguizamo recounted incidents of Seagal intentionally harming stunt performers, requiring intervention from famed stuntman Gene LeBell. Even Saturday Night Live experienced difficulties with Seagal’s behavior during his infamous 1991 hosting stint, citing his difficult personality and poor skit suggestions which nearly resulted in his replacement.