After making controversial comments about the Russia-Ukraine war at a Thirty Seconds to Mars show in Belgrade, Serbia, on October 11, Jared Leto is facing criticism.
The 52-year-old celebrity sparked controversy when, in reference to the continuing crisis, he stated that he hoped to “party” in Russia and Ukraine after “all these problems are finished.”
Fan videos show the audience cheering enthusiastically when Leto questioned if there were any Russians in the audience during the performance.
“You know that we missed you guys,” he said. One day, after all these issues are resolved, we will travel to your country to pay you a visit.
He went on to explain, stating, “We’re going to return to Serbia, travel to St. Petersburg and Moscow, and then descend to Kyiv, where we’ll party and socialize with everyone, as it should be.”
His remarks, which seemed to minimize the gravity of the conflict, swiftly went viral and drew harsh criticism.
“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 Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded in a harsh statement.
ruined houses, broken lives, tortured, raped, and slain civilians, prisoners of war executed against international law, killed animals, and ruined towns are all examples of what is commonly referred to as “Russian energy.”
Russia cannot be placated while it keeps trying to resolve [the] “problem” of Ukraine’s basic existence.
Ukrainian influencer Ihor Lachenkov also expressed disapproval, saying, “Jared Leto, do you realize that there is war in Ukraine and not just some ‘problems?'” Do you know that Russians come here willingly to perpetrate war crimes and genocide? You are not welcome in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, if what you stated is acceptable to you and you support the war.
Another person said, “You had the opportunity to speak out for peace and wave a Ukrainian flag, but you decided not to.” Instead, you talk about “a problem” and “miss the Russians.” @JaredLeto, you are a disgrace.
Jared has always been a being of light and love, and is constantly wishing good for everyone somewhere in the globe, according to one commenter, who supported the Oscar winner.
Those who misinterpret his words do so because they are unaware of his true feelings. He never goes to battle; he always goes to peace.
Leto declared his support for Ukraine in March 2022, just after Russia invaded the country.
At the moment, he tweeted, “To my friends and family in Ukraine – my heart breaks that this has escalated in such a devastating way.”
“Please be as safe as you can and exercise extreme caution.” During this hectic and upsetting time, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
During his 2014 Oscar acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actor in Dallas Buyers Club, Leto also paid tribute to Ukraine.
On the Oscars stage, he remarked, “To all the dreamers out there around the world watching this tonight in places like the Ukraine and Venezuela.”
“I want to say that we are here and that we are thinking of you tonight as you fight to live the impossible and realize your dreams.”
Russia’s state television network canceled its live coverage of the ceremony due to the remarks.