Jared Leto is under fire after making contentious remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war during a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert on October 11 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The 52-year-old star stirred controversy when he expressed a wish to ‘party’ in Russia and Ukraine once ‘all these problems are finished,’ a clear nod to the ongoing conflict.
During the performance, Leto asked the audience if any Russians were present, which prompted enthusiastic cheers, as seen in fan videos.
He remarked, ‘We missed you guys; you know that. I tell you what, one day, when all these problems are finished, we’re gonna come visit you in your homeland.’
He further elaborated, saying, ‘We’re going to come back to Serbia; we’re gonna go up to St. Petersburg, over to Moscow; we’re going to drop down to Kyiv; we’re going to party and hang out with everybody, okay…the way it should be.’
His comments quickly went viral, eliciting sharp criticism for appearing to trivialize the serious nature of the war.
Jared Leto is under fire after making contentious remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war during a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert on October 11 in Belgrade, Serbia; (pictured October 9)
The 52-year-old musician and actor stirred controversy when he expressed a wish to ‘party’ in Russia and Ukraine once ‘all these problems are finished,’ a clear nod to the ongoing conflict
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In response, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a scathing statement, declaring: ‘Jared Leto’s ‘feeling the Russian energy’ and his wish to perform in Russia is an insult to those sacrificing lives to defend freedom.’
‘The so-called ‘Russian energy’ has a clear definition: destroyed homes, shattered lives, tortured, raped, and murdered civilians, prisoners of war executed in violation of international law, killed animals, and wiped-off cities.
‘There can be no appeasement for Russia when it continues its attempts to solve [the] ‘problem’ of Ukraine’s very existence.’
Additional backlash emerged from Ukrainian influencer Ihor Lachenkov, who stated, ‘Jared Leto, are you aware that there is war in Ukraine and not just some ‘problems?’ Are you aware that Russians voluntarily come here to commit genocide and war crimes? If what you said is okay for you, if you sympathise war supporters, then you are not welcome in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.”
Despite previously supporting Ukraine—like honoring the ‘heavenly 100’ protesters from the 2013-2014 pro-European revolution—Leto’s recent remarks have been criticized as tone-deaf to the ongoing suffering from Russia’s invasion.
‘Thank you for denouncing his absurd political stands! I’ll never watch anything with this guy again! This is utterly DISGUSTING!,’ wrote an upset fan.
One posted, ‘What a ignorant, knowing exactly what is going on but licking russian balls in purpose. Disgrace,’ as another shared, ‘Grotesque that he should wish to perform within Russia.’
Yet another chimed in, ‘You could have waved a Ukrainian flag, you could have spoken out for peace – but you chose not to. Instead you “miss the Russians” and speak of “a problem”…. Shame on you, @JaredLeto.’
His comments quickly went viral, eliciting sharp criticism for appearing to trivialize the serious nature of the war
Despite previously supporting Ukraine— like honoring the ‘heavenly 100’ protesters from the 2013-2014 pro-European revolution —Leto’s recent remarks have been criticized as tone-deaf to the ongoing suffering from Russia’s invasion
The Oscar winner had support from some X users, however, with one commenting, ‘Jared has always been a being of light and love, and is always wishing good for everyone anywhere in the world.
‘Those who misunderstand his words is because you do not know where his heart is. He is always in the place of peace and not to war.’
Back in March 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, Leto expressed his solidarity with Ukraine.
‘To my friends and family in Ukraine – my heart breaks that this has escalated in such a devastating way,’ he tweeted at the time.
‘Please take great care and be as safe as you can. Sending thoughts to you and your loved ones during this chaotic and disruptive time.’
During the performance, Leto asked the audience if any Russians were present, which prompted enthusiastic cheers, as seen in fan videos; (Ukraine servicemen in October)
Leto further elaborated, saying, ‘We’re going to come back to Serbia; we’re gonna go up to St. Petersburg, over to Moscow ; we’re going to drop down to Kyiv ; we’re going to party and hang out with everybody, okay…the way it should be’ (Ukrainian activists in October)
Leto also honored Ukraine during his 2014 Oscars acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor in Dallas Buyers Club. :
‘To all the dreamers out there around the world watching this tonight in places like the Ukraine and Venezuela,’ he said on the Oscars podium.
‘I want to say we are here and, as you struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we’re thinking of you tonight.’
The speech prompted Russia’s state-run television to cancel its live broadcast of the ceremony.