HBO’s decision to cast Serbian actor Miloš Biković, who supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in the new season of The White Lotus has drawn criticism from Ukraine’s foreign ministry. Biković, who was awarded Russian citizenship in 2021 and is a regular advocate of Russian culture, was previously banned from entering Ukraine for national security reasons. The Ukrainian foreign ministry accused HBO of working with someone who supports genocide and violates international law.
HBO has yet to respond to the backlash or to the Ukrainian foreign ministry’s criticism. Biković’s support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to an immediate backlash by Ukrainian social media users. The actor has appeared in several Russian productions and has often spoken of his admiration for Russian culture.
Biković was honoured by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his contribution to Russian arts and culture, receiving the prestigious Pushkin medal at a ceremony in the Kremlin in 2018. In a social media post following his Russian citizenship status, Biković proudly declared that Russia is his homeland and that he is an active member of Russian society.
The third season of The White Lotus is set to air in 2025 and will be set in Thailand, featuring new guests at a new hotel. Series creator Mike White will return to helm the project, with actors Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Poser, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimtong as new cast members. Natasha Rothwell will reprise her role as spa manager Belinda from Season One. There had been much speculation surrounding the new season’s cast, with rumours circulating that Jack Black may be involved
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