Though Anna Chapman remains in an unknown location since her return to Moscow, the buzz of interest around the Russian spy ring's unofficial "femme fatale" continues at full force. Though she claimed to have been embarrassed when salacious photos she posted on social networking sites before her arrest were published by international media, the high-profile Chapman, 28, has been regularly re-emerging on Facebook -- this time with a series of enigmatic status updates, according to AFP.
Hours after her return to Moscow July 9, an opaque message appeared on her page. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," her status read, a nod to the opening lines of Charles Dickens' classic "A Tale of Two Cities."
Next, on July 14, a famous Eleanor Roosevelt quote appeared: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'"
Known in the paparazzi as the "Stalingrad Stunner" and the "Bond girl," Chapman also has been adding dozens of new friends, including journalists and supporters. When a New York woman named Cordelia wrote, "I miss you here in the Big Apple," Chapman responded with a "like" approval. A man named Jeffrey praised her as "beautiful and delicious."
Having lived in London with her ex-husband for five years, Chapman is also said to be upset after learning her British citizenship was revoked following her arrest.
"She's particularly upset at the rejection by the United Kingdom . . .it was disappointing to learn she can't go back,' her attorney Robert Baum told The Daily Mail. It will be three years before she can re-apply to enter Britain.
Though Chapman is said to have slammed reports that said she is shopping for a $250,000 media deal with book and movie rights to her story, Baum did say his client is considering interview offers. "She can tell her story but if she makes money on it, the US government is going to try and seize the profits," he said. "I guess they figure if she's not being paid for it, she's not going to talk about it. That's probably not the case."
Meanwhile, toy manufacturer Herobuilders.com has just produced a pair of Anna Chapman action figures, including a topless doll armed with a gun. Titled "Predator" and "The Spy I Could Love," both dolls are available online for $29.95.