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MOSCOW, February 3Russian and Serbian actor Milos Bikovich announced on his Telegram channel that he will not star in the third season of the popular American series “White Lotus” on HBO for reasons “beyond creativity.”
“Now that a targeted information campaign is being waged 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 the arts. I would be glad to star in “The White Lotus” — series that I really like, to work with colleagues whom I respect. However, my participation in the project became impossible for reasons beyond creativity, since I am not ready to change my principles,” he wrote.
In a conversation with the actor, he added that “not a single tempting offer can be higher than life principles.”
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Bikovich recalled that he himself grew up in a war-torn country.
“When I was 11 years old, I spent my days and nights in shelters while my country and my hometown were being bombed. I don’t wish anyone to experience this. There are more and more active military operations and conflicts in the world. Each of them has their own circumstances. my own pain. I would really like for someday all this to stop and love to triumph,” the actor wrote on social networks in Russian and Serbian.
He thanked everyone who supports him and wished success to his colleagues in the White Lotus series.
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"Despite everything, I believe that art can heal. I believe that it can unite and build bridges. And my beliefs and dedication to my work remain unchanged,” concluded Bikovich.
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Bikovich gained popularity in Russia after participating in such projects as “Hotel Eleon”, “Hotel Belgrade” and two parts of the comedy “Slave”, which are among the highest-grossing Russian films. In 2021, the actor received Russian citizenship. He admitted then that it was “a great honor and happiness” for him, and he called Russia his second home.
In January it became known that Bikovich would play in the third season of “White Lotus”. Filming was scheduled to begin in February in Thailand.
The actor's participation in the popular series caused outrage in Kiev — the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry accused Bikovich of supporting genocide and violating international law.
The Serbian Foreign Ministry called the accusations against the actor unfounded.
«We emphasize that the allegations of the Ukrainian side are unfounded, as as Milos Bikovic is, first of all, one of the most popular and talented Serbian actors of his generation, who, although young, has already left a mark on Serbian and international cinematography,” the diplomatic department stated.
They also recalled , that the Serbian Constitution guarantees freedom of scientific and artistic creativity, and the tradition of cultural activities in the country has a long history.
«White Lotus» is an American comedy-drama television series directed and written by Mike White. The premiere took place in 2021 on HBO.