HBO drops 'The White Lotus' actor Miloš Biković as Ukraine accuses him of supporting Russia

HBO has cut ties with Miloš Biković after Ukraine's foreign ministry criticized his casting in Season 3 of "The White Lotus," alleging the Serbian actor supports Russia's invasion.

"We have decided to part ways with Miloš Biković and the role will be recast," an HBO spokesperson told USA TODAY in a statement Friday.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs office alleged in a post on X on Jan. 24 that Biković "supports genocide & violates international law."

"HBO, is it all right for you to work?" the office wrote, tagging the streamer.

The foreign ministry included a video in the post, which stitched together clips of the actor, scenes from "The White Lotus" and a video of Biković receiving an award from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In 2018, the actor was awarded the Pushkin Medal, for his contribution to Russian arts and culture, and in 2021, he was granted Russian citizenship via presidential decree.

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Biković.

Despite the claims from Ukraine’s foreign ministry, Biković spoke out about the war in February 2022.

"I wish there were no wars... Naive, I know. I was 3 years old when war broke out in my country. I was 5 when the other one got loose. I was 11 when we got bombed. I know how terrible war is," he wrote on Instagram in Russian and Serbian. "We've been through a similar situation, but they can't be compared. Every conflict has its own circumstances."

Biković added that war "reminds us of how far humanity is from global unity and love."

Who's in 'White Lotus' Season 3? Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell and Patrick Schwarzenegger

Biković was set to join Parker Posey, Natasha Rothwell, Patrick Schwarzenegger and more in the upcoming season of the series that satirizes the rich guests of various White Lotus Hotels, which are often plagued by a mysterious death.

Season 3 of the dark comedy will once again follow a new group of White Lotus guests, and this time, the series is moving to Thailand. Production is set to begin "in and around" Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok, according to HBO.

The network said it has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to support filming and promotion of the third season, which HBO and Max EVP of Production Janet Graham Borba said will "showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer."

Related: 'Real Housewives' alum Bethenny Frankel raises more than $85 million for Ukraine refugees

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: HBO drops 'White Lotus' actor Milos Bikovic amid Ukraine controversy