Steven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of Lies

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Steven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of Lies

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  • Seagal’s Fraught Relationship With Stunt Performers
  • The Seagal/Putin Bromance May Have Been a #MeToo Asylum

As I delve deeper into the life and times of Steven Seagal, it’s hard not to feel a mix of pity and amusement, much like watching a train wreck from a safe distance. The man has had quite the journey, hasn’t he? From his questionable martial arts demonstrations that resemble more of a ballet than a self-defense technique, to his ever-changing ethnicity claims that make JFK’s family tree look as stable as a well-built Lego castle.

In today’s world, the 90s feel more like ancient history or at least the era before widespread internet use, as it was relatively easy for people to fabricate their origins or credentials without immediate fact-checking consequences. However, with the advent of the internet, a quick Google search could expose any lies about one’s background or qualifications. Regrettably, this has been the experience of Steven Seagal, a former high-earning action star in Hollywood, known for movies like “Under Siege” and “Out for Justice,” which placed him alongside action stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme. Seagal enjoyed great success back then, many years before being satirized on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and having his exaggerated stories debunked by martial arts experts and, more embarrassingly — even family members.

In the world of martial arts, critics have been questioning the authenticity of Seagal’s 7th-dan blackbelt in Aikido for a long time. This is a unique martial art that relies on using an opponent’s weight and momentum against them. Additionally, the stunt community often portrays Seagal as a bully who enjoys hurting stunt performers. He allegedly uses his celebrity status and stunt contracts to avoid facing consequences for his actions. Upon investigating Seagal’s facts, it appears he may be a compulsive liar, not just overstating his martial arts achievements and ethnic background but also inventing entire stories to boost his legend. Now, the internet has taken action, compiling old interviews filled with the actor’s extraordinary and easily disproven statements.

Steven Seagal’s Dubious Martial Arts Credentials

Looking at the facts about Steven Seagal’s past in Aikido, there are some verifiable details to consider. It’s true that Seagal encountered a well-known Aikido family in California during the 1970s. He later married the daughter, Miyako Fujitani, and followed her to Japan in 1974 – contrary to Seagal’s claim that this happened five years earlier. While he did study Aikido under his wife’s father, doubts about Seagal’s past stretch back to his time in Japan. His former wife, Miyako Fujitani, has even questioned certain aspects of his self-proclaimed history. According to her, the only reason Seagal received his black belt was because the judge, known for being lazy, fell asleep during Seagal’s demonstration and simply awarded him the rank.

Many martial artists have derisively stated that Seagal is actually a practitioner of “bullshido,” but he did open several aikido dojos in America (after allegedly fleecing his Japanese wife of her savings) and taught many notable martial artists. Lyoto Machida, a Brazilian mixed martial artist, has credited Seagal with teaching him the front kick he used to beat UFC legend Randy Couture. However, other martial artists claim Seagal is a complete fraud, including UFC legends Don Frye and Ronda Rousey. Long before that, super agent Michael Ovitz was one of Seagal’s students and helped usher the physically-combative charlatan to prominence.

Seagal’s Fraught Relationship With Stunt Performers

Steven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of LiesSteven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of Lies

A significant portion of the animosity towards Seagal from the stunt community is rooted in an incident involving Gene LeBell, a renowned judo master who oversaw the stunts for one of Seagal’s films, “Out for Justice.” It’s said that Seagal boasted on set that he couldn’t be choked out, and LeBell, frustrated by Seagal’s poor treatment of his stunt team, accepted the challenge. Reports suggest that LeBell successfully choked out Seagal, although rumors about Seagal soiling himself during the incident seem unfounded. Seagal denies this and labels LeBell a compulsive liar. However, it’s hard not to see the irony in this situation, given that videos of Seagal’s aikido demonstrations circulating online appear to show his ‘takedowns’ as more like a well-rehearsed dance than genuine martial arts moves.

Investigating the roots of Seagal’s family uncovers additional falsehoods. A compilation video highlights various interviews where Seagal, at separate times, asserts he is Russian Mongol, Asian, Mohawk Indian, Italian, and Irish. However, fact-checkers have determined that Seagal has Russian Jewish lineage through his father and Irish ancestry from his mother. This contradicts his recent claim to be “completely Russian” during a public event in Russia, where he supports President Vladimir Putin.

The Seagal/Putin Bromance May Have Been a #MeToo Asylum

Steven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of LiesSteven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of LiesSteven Seagal Allegedly Has a Torrid History of Lies

It’s worth noting that Steven Seagal currently resides in Russia, having received a Russian passport from President Vladimir Putin. Initially, it was thought this move might have been some form of exchange, given Seagal’s consistent support of Putin in media interviews. However, recent developments suggest that Seagal may have sought Putin’s protection due to the #MeToo movement and potential legal issues stemming from allegations by several actresses who accused him of sexual assault. For instance, Katherine Heigl claimed he tried to take her out on a date when she was just 16 years old, while Jenny McCarthy stated that he asked her to disrobe during an audition for “Under Siege 2”. Prior to these allegations, Seagal and Warner Bros. settled a significant lawsuit outside of court, paying $50,000 each to four women who accused him of sexual harassment on the set of “Out for Justice”.

It’s possible that Seagal’s move to Russia might have other motivations as well. In the ’90s, he collaborated with a producer named Jules Nasso, who was linked to the Gambino crime family. They planned to use mob money for four films with Seagal. However, when Seagal decided not to work with Nasso anymore and went on a spiritual retreat in India, he allegedly faced extortion by Peter Gotti for a large sum of money. According to underboss Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, this extortion was recorded by the FBI during an attempt. Eventually, Seagal had to testify against the Gottis.

It’s clear that Steven Seagal has a history of questionable martial arts abilities, mishandling and misleading stunt performers, inappropriate behavior, and ties to organized crime. Over and over again, he’s been caught in lies. Although we no longer have to endure his struggling acting, his connections in Russia might mean more opportunities for him to share his deceitful tales in interviews. Luckily, a wave of amusing anecdotes from the actor’s past filled with exaggerations has emerged recently, which might prevent him from spreading any more falsehoods. At best, these stories have provided us with some enjoyable laughter while further damaging his already tarnished image as an actor.

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2024-09-25 01:31