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Johnny Weir To Host Secretly-Shot Documentary Following LGBT Athletes At Sochi Olympics

johnny_weir_the_lady_gaga_of_figure_skatingOlympic ice skater Johnny Weir sparked a heated debate earlier this year when he announced his decision to attend and join NBC’s commentary panel at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, despite the fact that his mere presence could have had him arrested.

Well, it turns out there was a method to his madness after all.

EPIX has announced the October release of a new documentary called To Russia With Love, shot secretly on location at the 2014 Olympics with LGBT athletes who participated.

The film will reportedly “examine human rights through the lens of LGBT athletes” and analyze the media’s coverage of Russia’s strict antigay laws ahead of the Games. Weir, who shot scenes for the doc while in Sochi, will act as host and interviewer throughout.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Noam Gonick collected the footage without consent from the Russian government in order to protect his subjects. The film will feature a number of LGBT athletes who participated in the Sochi Olympics, Olympic legends Billie Jean King (one of the Obama-appointed gay delegates who attended the Olympics) and Greg Louganis, and even actor Stephen Fry and Jason Collins, the first active player to come out in a major American sport.

To Russia With Love is set to premiere October 22 on EPIX.

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