Serbian actor Miloš Biković pulled from 'The White Lotus' after Ukraine's outcry over his pro‑Putin stance

Biković, a native of Serbia who studied in Belgrade, spent a decade mainly acting in Russian films. Hence, it seemed logical for HBO to cast him as a Russian character in the forthcoming third season of the hit series "The White Lotus". Biković had been set to portray Valentin, a charismatic yogi and hotel mentor dedicated to enhancing the quality of life. The hunt is now for a new actor to take on this role.

“I felt honored when I was invited to participate in 'The White Lotus', a TV series I deeply admire, and the individuals behind it. However, my participation has become impossible due to reasons unrelated to my skills as an actor. I refuse to subscribe to any narrative that jeopardizes my integrity," said Biković in a statement reported by Deadline.

Biković lost his role in the American series after accusations from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that he exhibited pro-Putin sentiments. It’s well-known that the 36-year-old actor supported the annexation of Crimea by Russia and frequently visited the region before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Putin previously awarded Biković a medal for his contributions to film, and since 2021, Biković has held Russian citizenship.

Despite this, Biković presents himself as the victim of a pointed campaign aimed squarely at his career. He argues that this initiative seems to be a calculated move intended to sway decisions, ultimately creating a dangerous precedent that undermines artistic freedom. The actor concluded his remarks by saying, "The outcome of such a narrative is the triumph of absurdity and the defeat of art."