HBO comedy-drama The White Lotus has recently been in conversation for casting the Serbian actor Miloš Biković in its upcoming season. Biković, who was announced to join the show earlier in January, has now been fired from the series. The move comes in the wake of a callout from Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding a geopolitical dimension to the unfolding drama, similar to Melissa Barrera’s exit from Scream 7 for expressing her stance on the Palestine and Israel conflict.
Responded to his sudden dismissal, Biković has expressed his concerns, claiming that such actions could set a troubling precedent over the fundamental principles of artistic freedom.
The White Lotus Fired Miloš Biković Amid Controversy
Earlier in January, Mike White’s The White Lotus revealed Miloš Biković as one of the cast members for its upcoming Season 3. The production for the third season is scheduled to commence in Thailand this month on a story following a new group of guests at a different White Lotus hotel.
Biković was reportedly cast as a Russian-speaking wellness guru in the show. However, the casting decision received criticism from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, who pointed out the actor’s support for Russia amid the full-scale invasion.
“Is it all right for you to work with a person who supports genocide & violates international law?” said the Ukrainian foreign ministry in a social media post. The accompanying video to the post also shows Biković being awarded the Pushkin Medal, one of Russia’s top cultural prizes, from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
After this, HBO decided to part ways with the actor and has shared they will recast the role for the upcoming season of The White Lotus. “We have decided to part ways with Miloš Biković, and the role will be recast,” said HBO in a statement confirming Biković’s exit from The White Lotus.
Miloš Biković Blames ‘Targeted Campaign’ For The White Lotus Exit
Miloš Biković has released a statement reacting to his departure from The White Lotus, claiming that a “targeted campaign has been unleashed against” him. While expressing gratitude for the opportunity to star in the acclaimed series, he also added, “However, my participation is not possible due to reasons beyond the realm of art.”
The 36-year-old actor further expressed his dismay, claiming that the campaign against him is an attempt to influence decisions that could set a disturbing precedent, compromising the essence of artistic freedom. “The result of such a narrative is the triumph of absurdity and the defeat of art,” he further said in his statement.
Since acquiring Russian citizenship in 2021, Biković has identified himself as an “active member of Russian society,” and has participated in government-hosted panel discussions. The actor is also known for collaborating with supporters of the Russian invasion, including director Nikita Mikhalkov. In a 2019 interview, Biković disclosed that he has been banned from entering Ukraine.
The White Lotus is available to stream on Max. Season 3 is expected to be released in 2025.
