Jared Leto has come under fire after making controversial comments about the war between Russia and Ukraine during the Thirty Seconds to Mars concert on October 11 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The 52-year-old star sparked controversy in Russia and Ukraine when she expressed her desire to “party” when “all these problems are over.” Constant conflict.
During the show, Leto asked the audience if there were any Russians, prompting a standing ovation, as seen in fan videos.
He commented: 'We miss you; You already know it. I tell you that one day, when all these problems are over, we will come to meet you in your homeland.
And he added: 'We are going to return to Serbia; We will go from St. Petersburg to Moscow; We will go down to kyiv; We go to parties and hang out with everyone, well… that's how it should be.'
His comments quickly went viral and drew heavy criticism for appearing to trivialize the seriousness of the war.
Jared Leto has been criticized for controversial comments about the war between Russia and Ukraine during his Thirty Seconds to Mars concert on October 11 in Belgrade, Serbia; (Image October 9)
The 52-year-old musician and actor sparked controversy when he expressed his desire to “celebrate” when “all these problems are over” in Russia and Ukraine, a clear nod to the ongoing conflict.
In response, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry issued a scathing statement: “Jared Leto's 'sense of Russian power' and desire to perform in Russia is an insult to those who sacrifice their lives to defend freedom.”
The so-called 'Russian power' has a clear definition: homes destroyed, lives ruined, civilians tortured, raped and murdered, prisoners of war executed in violation of international law, animals slaughtered and cities destroyed.
“As Russia continues its attempts to resolve, it cannot be appeased [the] The 'problem' of Ukraine's existence.
A further reaction came from Ukrainian influencer Ihor Lachenko, who said: 'Jared Leto, do you know that there is a war in Ukraine and not just some 'problems'? Did you know that Russians come here ready to commit genocide and war crimes? If he is right, if he sympathizes with the supporters of the war, he will not be welcome in kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Despite previously supporting Ukraine (such as honoring the 'Heavenly 100' protesters of the 2013-2014 pro-European revolution), Leto's recent comments have been criticized for being tone-deaf to the ongoing suffering of the Russian invasion.
Thank you for calling out his ridiculous political stance! I will never see anything with this guy again! This is absolutely disgusting! wrote one angry follower.
One posted: “How ignorant, knowing exactly what's going on, licking Russian balls with purpose.” It's a shame,” another shared, “that he wants to perform in Russia is grotesque.”
Another said: 'You could have waved the Ukrainian flag and spoken for peace, but you decided not to. Instead, there is talk of “losing the Russians” and “a problem.” Shame on you, @JaredLeto.'
His comments quickly went viral and drew heavy criticism for appearing to downplay the seriousness of the war.
Leto's latest comments have been criticized for being tone-deaf to the ongoing suffering of Russia's invasion – despite having previously supported Ukraine – as well as honoring the “Heavenly 100” protesters of the 2013-2014 pro-European revolution.
However, the Oscar winner had support from some X users, with one commenting: “Jared is always cheerful and kind and always wants the best for everyone around the world.”
'Those who misunderstand his words, because they do not know where his heart is. He is always in the place of peace, not war.'
In March 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, Leto expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
“To my friends and family in Ukraine: my heart breaks that this has escalated so catastrophically,” he tweeted at the time.
'Please be very careful and stay as safe as possible. Sending thoughts to you and your loved ones during this confusing and upsetting time.
During the show, Leto asked the audience if there were any Russians, as seen in fan videos. (Ukrainian veterans in October)
Leto explained: 'We are going back to Serbia; We are going to go to Saint Petersburg, to Moscow; We are going to land in kyiv; We go to parties, we go out with everyone, well… that's how it should be” (Ukrainian activists in October)
Leto also honored Ukraine during his 2014 Oscar acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor at the Dallas Buyers Club. :
“To all the dreamers around the world tonight in places like Ukraine and Venezuela,” he said on the Oscars stage.
“I just want to say that we are here and we are thinking of you tonight as you fight to make your dreams come true, to live the impossible.”
The speech led Russian state television to cancel live coverage of the festival.
