This story came to the fore in Russia and sparked a new wave of discussion about the infamous inequality. Yes, monstrous traffic accidents occur, but the drunken behavior of actor Mikhail Efremov, due to which an innocent person died, revealed old wounds.
The deceased, a courier driver Sergey Zakharov, was not a rich man. Originally from a village in the Ryazan Region (about 200 km south of the capital), he worked on a rotational basis in Moscow. Many live between Moscow and the house in the surrounding areas - it’s not easy to get a well-paid job (in addition to certain sectors of the agricultural industry) in the countryside. And the problems with this, of course, are not only in Russia.
The one through whose fault he died seems to be his exact opposite. Efremov is a representative of the theater beau monde, like the British Richardsons or the American Coppol Dynasty. Father - the legendary Oleg Efremov, People's Artist of the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labor, gentleman of the Order of Lenin. Mother - the star of the theater and cinema Alla Pokrovskaya.
In Yeltsin's years, acting talent brought Efremov Jr. the title of Honored Artist of the Russian Federation. An example of a foreign analogue can be called the Order of the British Empire or the French Order of Merit. In addition, Efremov was a successful television presenter. In addition to acting, he is known for criticizing the Russian authorities and broadcasting on the liberal radio Ekho Moskvy. And also with scandals: the constant ups and downs of his personal life (Efremov is married for the fifth time and has six children) made him a favorite of tabloids.
Mass media all over Russia tell about a new, tragic story with his participation - television, radio, newspapers.
But this is not just a story about a famous actor, but a kind of morality about the Moscow liberal elite and its relations with the “common people”.
Many find it disgusting how the liberal establishment defended Efremov with a mountain. Here, for example, the words of the famous comedian and laureate of the prestigious state award Alexei Panin: “Everyone brings condolences to this (deceased. - B. M. ) man. But Mikhail Efremov is a great artist. He must not be imprisoned. ”
Over the past 30–40 years, inequality has risen sharply around the world. But this is especially acute in Russia, where communist principles were proclaimed three decades ago, and people were brought up with the belief that everyone is fundamentally equal. The same class and property gap as in Moscow can be seen both in London and New York, but it has deep roots there. In Russia, everything has changed dramatically in the life of just one generation.
In the capital there is a very wealthy elite, whose representatives are equally comfortable both at the Patriarch's Ponds, and in Courchevel or Mayfair. There is also a large working class engaged in the service sector and satisfying their needs. Those at the top generally profess globalism and are oriented toward the West. Many send children to study in England and the USA, support liberal ideas. And, frankly, there are quite a few who openly say that the situation of their compatriots is not at all interesting to them. Something in the spirit: "We have, they do not, well, they themselves are to blame."
Explain this to someone who lives near Ryazan, where opportunities are not available. Sergey Zakharov was one of the employees of the same service sector. He did not have famous parents who would provide him with a quick take-off. No, he worked in the Delikateska online store, which sells expensive food for people of the Efrem circle. Say, black caviar at 60 thousand rubles per kilo. Zakharov probably received about as much per month - for a long and hard work.
On Tuesday evening, Efremov drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee along the Garden Ring and jumped into the oncoming lane, where he collided with a Lada van, which Zakharov was driving. On Avito, a car, like Efremov’s (2019 model), is offered for 9,890,000 rubles. Used Lada for that kind of money can be bought with a couple of dozen.
The actor got on a video confirming that at the time of the accident he was drunk. According to witnesses, the state of intoxication was evident. One of them asked if he understood the seriousness of what he had done.
“I will cure him.”
- Heal?
- Yes.
“You are not a doctor.”
- Well, but I have money up to x **.
This conversation has spread widely across Russian social networks.
In the comments, many express an aversion to Efremov and to the arrogant Moscow liberal elite that he personifies. An elite that believes it cannot be held accountable by law for mere mortals.
Another public person whose reaction provoked outrage was Ksenia Sobchak, a TV presenter and, for some time, a liberal politician. “I send support rays to Mikhail Efremov,” she wrote on Instagram, adding that she always appreciated him as an actor and a bright person. “There is no justification for the act of Misha Efremov, and I think that he himself is now sitting over the wreckage of his life and does not understand how he could destroy his life.” Hundreds of respondents wrote that Sobchak did not mention Sergey Zakharov in a word and seems to be serving as a victim of Efremov himself.
A Moscow court put Efremov under house arrest, he will be tried for an act that entailed the death of a person through negligence, for which he can receive up to 12 years in prison. This, of course, is the maximum, but if in the end he escapes with a short term or symbolic punishment, many ordinary Russians will be very angry.
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.