Anna Chapman Disappointed by UK Rejection, Says No to Porn Pitch, Says Lawyer
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) "Red-Headed Russian Spies Not Welcome."
That's what the United Kingdom has decided. They've revoked Anna Chapman's citizenship and barred her from even visiting the country again, according to Chapman's attorney.
Chapman's attorney Robert Baum said Wednesday that she held a special place in her heart for the UK, since she had spent a good part of the last nine years there, and was "particularly upset" by the news.
Baum says he has been communicating regularly with Chapman through e-mail, mainly about how to send her belongings to her in Russia. She was ordered to leave the US immediately after she and nine other Russian spies pleaded guilty in late June to working as unregistered agents for Russia while living seemingly quiet lives in America, and did not get the opportunity to settle her affairs in the US.
Baum also said that she outright rejected a recent request from an adult movie company to appear in a film.
"They sent an e-mail with a letter. She didn't even want me to forward it," Baum said. "She didn't even want to consider the offer."
Chapman became a tabloid darling three weeks ago as photographs gleaned from the Internet showed the smiling Russian enjoying Manhattan's nightlife, posing in front of the Statue of Liberty and mixing with businessmen at a conference. Later, several pictures showing her naked were published.
Her popularity has flooded Baum's e-mail address with requests from journalists in the United States and England who want to talk to her and from authors who would like to write a book with her.
But Baum rejected claims that his client was considering profiting off her new fame, saying she told him the rumors were "absolute lies," although he did say she might tell her story at some point without being paid.
Part of the plea deal with the government included a provision that none of the spies profit from their stories.
For now, Baum said, Chapman is enjoying being able to reunite with her family, especially her sister, and is trying to resurrect her business that matches real estate agents with people looking to buy homes. She is also mourning her lost life in the US.
"She wished that she hadn't been forced to leave," he said. "I know she wanted to stay here. She had a lot of friends."
Complete coverage of Anna Chapman on Crimesider.
