Jared Leto’s Controversial Pro-Russia Comments on Ukraine Slammed by Kyiv and Fans

Jared Leto, the lead vocalist of 30 Seconds to Mars, appears to have stirred controversy in Ukraine following remarks made at a concert on October 11. While performing in Belgrade, Serbia, as part of his ‘Seasons Tour,’ Leto expressed a desire to perform in Russia once “all these problems are sorted out.”

Many speculated that these “problems”alluded to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. During the event, Leto inquired if anyone in the audience was Russian, to which the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers. He then commented:

“We’ve missed you guys, you know that. One day, when all these issues are resolved, we’re planning to visit you in your homeland. We’ll head to St. Petersburg, then Moscow, and finally drop down to Kyiv to celebrate and connect with everyone as it should be.”

This statement prompted widespread condemnation in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, including a strong reaction from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The ministry’s official account on X condemned Leto’s wishes to perform in Russia, labeling it “an insult”to those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom.

“There can be no appeasement towards Russia while it continues to challenge the very existence of Ukraine,”the post declared.

Many criticized Jared Leto on social media, implying that for him, the war in Ukraine seemed to be merely an “inconvenience.”Others claimed he was showing too much sympathy toward Russians, emphasizing that he is not welcome in Kyiv.

Jared Leto’s Previous Support for Ukraine

Despite the backlash he faced for his seemingly pro-Russian statements, Jared Leto has previously expressed his support for Ukraine on multiple occasions. At the onset of the invasion in 2022, Leto took to X to share his support.

“To my friends and family in Ukraine – my heart aches seeing this conflict escalate so devastatingly. Please prioritize your safety and well-being. Sending my thoughts to you and your loved ones during this chaotic time,”he stated.

In 2014, Leto honored the “Heavenly Hundred”by visiting Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kyiv during the Revolution of Dignity. That same year, he addressed the struggles of the Ukrainian people during his Oscar acceptance speech, which coincided with the Crimean crisis and resulted in Russia banning the live broadcast of the ceremony.

30 Seconds to Mars is currently on their global ‘Seasons Tour,’ promoting their sixth studio album, It’s the End of the World, But It’s a Beautiful Day, released in September 2023. The tour kicked off in Chile on March 14 and will continue with the next performance on October 15 in Kazakhstan, concluding in Dubai on December 12. Beyond music, Leto’s next film appearance will be in Tron: Ares, which is slated for release in 2025.

Source