The White Lotus finds replacement for Miloš Biković after Ukraine controversy

Biković was originally cast in the role as a recurring Russian character but was let go after HBO faced criticism from Ukraine. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared a video to Twitter/X accusing Biković of being the “Kremlin’s foreign mouthpiece” and calling him “a person who supports genocide & violates international law.” He has reportedly been banned from entering Ukraine for several years now.

“Today, a targeted campaign has been unleashed against me, seemingly as an external maneuver to influence decisions that can create a disturbing precedent shadowing the essence of artistic freedom. The result of such a narrative is the triumph of absurdity and the defeat of art,” Biković said in a statement about his firing (which can be read in full over at Variety). “I was honored to be chosen to be a part of White Lotus, a TV series that I hold in high regard and with colleagues whom I deeply respect. However, my participation is not possible due to reasons beyond the realm of art and I will not bow to any narrative that seeks to compromise my integrity.”

“I would like to thank everyone who stood by me. I wish my colleagues great success in creating the next season,” he concluded. “Regardless of everything, I strongly believe that art can heal. I believe it can help humanity unite. My beliefs and my dedication to art will remain unchanged.”