Milos Bikovic

Milos Bikovic Dropped from HBO Show 'The White Lotus' Amid Ukraine Backlash

HBO announces the departure of Serbian-Russian actor Milos Bikovic from the upcoming season of 'The White Lotus' due to controversy surrounding his casting.

Serbian-born Russian actor Milos Bikovic has been dropped from the cast of HBO's show 'The White Lotus' following criticism from Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bikovic, who was set to play a Russian yogi in the series, expressed his disappointment, calling it a 'targeted campaign' against him. The decision to part ways with Bikovic came after backlash over his alleged support towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite his Serbian and Russian citizenship, Bikovic refused to condemn the invasion, leading to his removal from the show. HBO confirmed that Bikovic's role would be recast before filming the upcoming season set in a Thailand hotel.

The controversy surrounding Bikovic's involvement in 'The White Lotus' intensified after Ukraine accused him of supporting 'genocide'. The actor's ties to Russia, including receiving the Pushkin medal from President Vladimir Putin, raised concerns and led to his dismissal from the popular TV series. Bikovic's abrupt departure has sparked debate over artistic freedom, political affiliations, and the impact of global conflicts on entertainment projects. The decision to remove Bikovic highlights the sensitivity of casting choices in the current geopolitical climate and the influence of public opinion on casting decisions in the entertainment industry.

Interesting Facts: 1. Milos Bikovic was conferred the Pushkin medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his contributions to Russian culture. 2. HBO's swift decision to replace Bikovic in 'The White Lotus' showcases the shift in public perception and the entertainment industry's response to controversies.