MAX is being called out by Ukraine for a recent casting decision on its hit show "White Lotus."
The Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Serbian actor Miloš Biković — who has been linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin — of supporting the war in Ukraine.
"Miloš Biković, Serbian actor who has been supporting Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion, is now set to star in HBO's The White Lotus Season 3," the foreign ministry wrote on X on Wednesday. "@HBO, is it all right for you to work with a person who supports genocide & violates international law?"
So far, there is no evidence that Biković supports the war. In February, the actor put out a statement on Instagram expressing sadness that war had broken out.
"War and bloodshed on any side reminds us of how far humanity is from global unity and love," the actor wrote in Russian. However, commenters were dismayed that the actor did not condemn Russia's invasion of the country.
Representatives for Max and Biković did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
So far, there have been no public statements about the fate of Biković's role. The actor is set to play a wellness guru on the show, which is set to begin filming in Thailand in February.
The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to the defense of Biković, saying that the allegations made by Ukraine were "unfounded," Deadline reported, citing Serbian news agency Tanjug.
Biković, who received Russian citizenship in 2021 by presidential decree, met Putin to receive a Russian arts and culture award in 2018, which is highlighted in the videos posted by Ukraine on social media.
During his acceptance speech, the actor stressed unity between Russia and Serbia, The New York Times reported. The following year, Ukraine barred Biković from entering the country.
