Sasha Nezlobin, once a prominent comedian and television personality in Russia, has been living in exile in the United States since early 2022 after openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the government’s suppression of anti-war voices. Formerly a cast member on Russia’s popular sketch show Comedy Club and the star of his own sitcom Nezlob, Nezlobin fled Moscow with his wife and young daughter in February 2022 amid increasing pressure on dissenting artists.
Nezlobin had publicly condemned the war and signed an open anti-war letter addressed to President Vladimir Putin. He also shared a social media post calling for peace, which he later edited to remove any call to action after anti-war statements were criminalized in Russia. Faced with tightening restrictions and fearing repercussions, he secured one of the last direct flights from Moscow to New York in the days following the invasion. His family eventually reunited and settled in Los Angeles, where they have been living since, despite initial challenges including language barriers and unemployment.
In the United States, Nezlobin has continued his career by performing stand-up comedy for Russian-speaking communities across North America. He uses his platform to comment on censorship laws and human rights issues in Russia, drawing parallels between the Russian government’s media control and similar actions by former U.S. President Donald Trump. He also addresses the potential legal consequences for dissenters in Russia, highlighting that even brief anti-war expressions can result in severe prison sentences.
Despite being thousands of miles from Moscow, Nezlobin remains a target of backlash from pro-Kremlin groups. His contact information and that of other anti-war journalists and comedians have been leaked online, accompanied by accusations of promoting banned content such as LGBTQ propaganda. Nezlobin describes ongoing harassment aimed at disrupting his and his family’s lives.
The comedian remains cautious about the possibility of returning to Russia. He cites cases like that of stand-up comic Artemy Ostanin, who was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for a joke perceived as mocking a wounded soldier, illustrating the harsh penalties faced by performers who challenge official narratives. Nezlobin acknowledges the historical precedent of Russian artists facing imprisonment or death upon return and expresses concern for his family’s safety.
Despite his displacement, Nezlobin finds solace in the freedoms afforded by life in America, particularly regarding his daughter’s education and opportunities. He is preparing to perform in English for the first time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, marking a new chapter in his international comedy career. While he has lost his home country, Nezlobin emphasizes maintaining his identity and continuing to speak out through his art.