Miloš Biković dropped from HBO's 'The White Lotus' amid controversy over support for Russia

Hailing from Serbia and completing his studies in Belgrade, Miloš Biković has spent the last ten years primarily involved in Russian film production. Therefore, it's unsurprising that HBO considered him to portray a Russian character in the upcoming third season of the hit show "The White Lotus". Biković was slated to play Valentin, a "charming yogi and hotel consultant devoted to enhancing the quality of life". The search is now underway for a new actor to take on this role.

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- I felt honoured to have been selected to participate in "The White Lotus", a television series I hold in high esteem, alongside the creative minds behind it. Nevertheless, my involvement is no longer feasible for reasons unrelated to the art. I refuse to conform to any narrative that compromises my integrity, as Biković explained in a Deadline statement.

Biković’s engagement with the American series ended abruptly following accusations from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs alleging his support for Vladimir Putin. It's widely known that the 36-year-old endorsed Russia's annexation of Crimea, frequently visiting the area before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Some years ago, Putin awarded him a medal for his contributions to the film industry, and since 2021, Biković has held full Russian citizenship.

Biković perceives himself as the target of a conscious campaign against him, seemingly a tactical measure aimed at influencing decisions that might establish a concerning precedent that overcasts the essence of artistic freedom. He concluded that "the outcome of such a narrative is the ascendancy of irrationality and the downfall of art".