HBO Fires White Lotus Actor Allegedly Over Russia Support Against Ukraine
The vacation is ending early for Miloš Biković as the actor has been let go from the upcoming third season of Mike White’s critically acclaimed anthology series, The White Lotus. Biković may have been preparing to pack his bags and head to filming, but that won’t be happening now as he was outed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an avid supporter of Russia. Last week, the Ministry addressed HBO in a video that, among many other things, asked, “Is it all right for you to work with a person who supports genocide & violates international law?”
Milos Bikovic Is Russian
It’s been almost two years since Russia forcefully invaded Ukraine, and tensions have been high ever since, with most of the world showing its support for the latter country. As some celebrities have found, there is no space for them to back Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine, with Biković being the latest example. The now ex-The White Lotus star has previously spoken about his support for Russia and its occupation of Crimea – a moment that foreshadowed what was to come when they jumped on Ukraine.
Bikovic Refers To Targeted Campaign
After discovering he had lost his spot on The White Lotus, Biković released a statement, sharing how “honored” he was to have been cast in the series alongside “colleagues whom I deeply respect.” He referred to his ousting as “a targeted campaign,” adding that he wouldn’t be able to appear in the series “due to reasons beyond the realm of art.” Unwilling to back down or apologize for his prior stance, Biković said, “I will not bow to any narrative that seeks to compromise my integrity.”
White Lotus Role Never Officially Revealed
At the time of his firing, Biković’s character details hadn’t yet been revealed but it was presumed that he would appear in The White Lotus in a recurring role as a Russian yogi named Valentin who found himself under the titular resort’s employment. While no other actors have been revealed, the casting team is likely now on the search to find the perfect new member to add to the call sheet.
Season 3 Heads To Thailand
In Season 3 of The White Lotus, the waspy and often troubled clientele of the revered chain of resorts will be traveling to the Thailand location for the gorgeous clear waters and tropical locale. The comedy-drama is an anthology series, meaning that each season is filled with different characters at various White Lotus resorts worldwide. The first season featured performances from Alexandra Daddario and Sydney Sweeney, and was set in Hawaii, with Season 2 set in Italy.
Will The White Lotus Be The Same With No Coolidge?
While the majority of the characters don’t make a return, Season 2 welcomed Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya McQuoid to the Italian destination after she became a fan favorite in Season 1. Likewise, Season 3 of The White Lotus will catch up with Natasha Rothwell’s Belinda, who audiences will remember as the spa manager at the Hawaii location. After being left in the dust by Coolidge’s Tanya, we hope Belinda enjoys some fun in the sun on the company’s dime in the upcoming third installment.
More Stars Joining For Season 3
Other names appearing in the next season of The White Lotus include Carrie Coon (The Leftovers), Parker Posey (Scream 3), Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter franchise), Leslie Bibb (Jupiter’s Legacy), and so many more. The series is expected to return to HBO and Max in 2025.
Source: Deadline
