The makers of hit TV show the White Lotus have dropped actor Miloš Biković from the upcoming series after criticism from Ukraine over the Serbian native’s ties to Russia.

Biković, who was cast for the third season of the award-winning dark comedy just weeks ago, has protested against HBO’s decision as “the triumph of absurdity and the defeat of art”.

A spokesperson for the network, asked by AFP for comment, said on Saturday only that “we have decided to part ways with Milos Biković and the role will be recast”.

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