Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff's fans share disappointment after Russian dancer clarifies Ukraine comments

hellomagazine.com:

Strictly Come Dancing dancer Kristina Rihanoff was forced to apologise to fans on Sunday after posting several now-deleted tweets that many felt were "insensitive" and "Pro-Putin".MORE: Elton John and David Furnish release emotional statement – 'We are heartbroken'The 44-year-old star faced backlash after posting a message in which she criticised Sky News for reporting that Russia had been banned from the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest following the invasion of Ukraine.WATCH: Kristina Rihanoff reunites with Strictly partner Robin Windsor for inspiring reasonIn a long statement shared on Twitter, Kristina clarified that she did so because she thought "there was far more important information on that day".READ: Kristina Rihanoff opens up about raising partner Ben Cohen's daughtersRELATED: Ben Cohen's ex-wife regrets explicit rant about Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff"This, in any form says I was supporting what's happening at the moment between Russia and Ukraine," she added.It’s said to see so much hatred so I just wanted to say things I really mean pic.twitter.com/NuA5WqPcWuRead Kristina's statement in fullAfter explaining that her grandfather was from Ukraine and that she and husband Ben Cohen chose a Ukrainian name for their daughter, Milena, she added: "Seeing the news is breaking my heart as I have Russian friends who live in Ukraine and vice versa."She continued: "I am not supporting Putin, war, invasion, lost lives and politics.

I hate it as much as a human being possibly can."Kristina then went on to reveal she was "deeply sorry" for offending anyone with her remarks and said she was "powerless doing anything to help anyone in both countries".