(New York) The American television channel HBO announced that it had canceled the presence of a Serbian actor in its hit series The White Lotus after Ukraine accused Milos Bikovic of supporting the war started by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine affirmed at the end of January that Milos Bikovic supported Russia “since the start of the invasion”. “HBO, do you not mind working with someone who supports genocide and violates international law? », protested the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We have decided to part ways with Milos Bikovic and his role will be redistributed,” said an HBO spokesperson in a terse message sent to AFP on Saturday, without giving further details.
The Serbian actor, scheduled to be cast in the next season 3, denied supporting the war in Ukraine, denouncing “a targeted campaign” against him which threatens “the essence of artistic freedom”.
“I grew up in a country torn by war,” he said in a statement published on X (former Twitter), referring to the conflict in former Yugoslavia.
“I could never wish such devastation on anyone. There are more and more active conflicts around the world. Each of them is different. All heartbreaking,” he added, saying he hoped “that they all stop.”
The 36-year-old actor obtained Russian citizenship on February 24, 2021, a year before the invasion of Ukraine began. He was decorated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 for contribution to the country’s culture.
HBO announced in mid-January that Milos Bikovic, who has appeared in several Russian films, would join the cast of the next season, production of which is scheduled to begin in February in Thailand, according to American media.
The White Lotus, a scathing satire on the hypocrisy of the rich, achieved great popular and critical success. She was notably rewarded in January with the Emmy for best supporting actress in a drama series for Jennifer Coolidge.