"The triumph of the absurd and the defeat of the arts." Milos Bikovich explained why he won’t star in the TV series “White Lotus”
Serbian actor Milos Bikovic, who received Russian citizenship in 2021, will not appear in the new season of the American HBO series “White Lotus.” He himself spoke about this on his Instagram page*.
According to the actor, he would be happy to star in a popular project that he really likes and work with colleagues whom he respects, but this became impossible “for reasons beyond the scope of art,” namely, due to the fact that Milos “I’m not ready to change my principles.”
“Now that there is a targeted information campaign against me, external circumstances are beginning to influence creative decisions, which creates a disturbing precedent that displaces the essence of creative freedom. The result of such a narrative is the triumph of the absurd and the defeat of art,” said Bikovich.
The actor explained that growing up in a “war-torn country” and spending days and nights in shelters as a child “while his country and his hometown were bombed,” which shaped his beliefs. “There are more and more active military operations and conflicts in the world. Each of them has their own circumstances. Everyone has their own pain. I would really like for someday all this to stop and love to triumph,” he noted.
The actor also thanked everyone who supports him and wished success to his colleagues in working on the new season of the series. “No matter what, I firmly believe that art has the power to heal. I believe that it can unite and build bridges. And my convictions and dedication to my work remain unchanged,” he wrote in conclusion.
The fact that Milos Bikovich joined the cast of the third season of “White Lotus” became known in January. According to Deadline, he was supposed to play in the project a Russian yoga trainer, Valentin, who flirts with guests and gives them advice on improving their lives. After information about this spread in the media, HBO came under criticism from Ukraine. Representatives of the country drew attention to the fact that Bikovich received the Pushkin medal from the hands of Vladimir Putin, and later acquired Russian citizenship by his decree. In addition, the actor visited Crimea several times without the knowledge of the Ukrainian authorities, including participating in filming there, after which he was banned from entering Ukraine.
Now Bikovich will be replaced by another actor in “White Lotus”. Filming for the series will soon begin in Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok.