Main points
- Jared Leto posted a video on TikTok of himself walking down the street to a remake of a Russian track, which caused a positive reaction in Russia and a negative one in Ukraine.
- Leto has previously expressed support for Ukraine, but his recent statements and actions have caused mixed reactions, in particular due to the mention of “Russian energy” and the desire to speak in Kyiv, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
Jared Leto and Red Square in Moscow / Collage by Channel 24 / Photo from the actor's Instagram and from Canva
American actor and singer Jared Leto posted a video that sparked a lively discussion online.
Jared Leto showed himself walking down the street in a fashion walk to the track KAVKAZ by Starly on TikTok. The video was received positively in Russia, but it caused a negative reaction in Ukraine.
In the video, the actor appeared in a massive fur coat, black clothes, dark glasses, pendants, a ring, and dark shoes. He shot this video in slow motion.
At the same time, the audience's attention was not so much attracted by Jared Leto's image as by the music, as it is a remake of the Russian song “Vagabond” by Elbrus Dzhanmirzoev, which was created by Starly. Now the track has gained a new wave of popularity among Russians.
In the comments under the video, many shocked Jared Leto fans from Russia gathered. They called the artist “American Zverev” and even asked if he was planning a trip to Russia. However, the singer did not respond to this invitation.
For context! Sergey Zverev is a famous Russian hairdresser, makeup artist, and stylist.
Comments under Jared Leto's video / Screenshots from TikTok
What is known about Jared Leto's position?
- In 2014, during the Euromaidan events, he visited Kyiv, where he spoke with protesters and photographed barricades. At that time, the actor openly expressed his admiration for Ukrainians, calling them brave and courageous people.
- After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he again publicly expressed solidarity with Ukrainians: he posted a photo with the Ukrainian flag, addressed friends and fans in Ukraine with words of support, called for self-protection, and expressed hope for peace and an end to violence. He also once sang the song “Ah, Odessa, a pearl in the sea” while communicating with subscribers from Ukraine live.
At the same time, in 2024-2025, some of his statements and actions caused an ambiguous reaction in Ukraine. For example, during a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert in Belgrade, he said that he “felt a lot of Russian energy around” and mentioned Russia's war against Ukraine as a “problem.” In addition, he said that he would like to perform in Kyiv, Moscow, and St. Petersburg to “hang out and have fun.” The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry later noted that such statements by Jared Leto “are an insult to those who sacrifice their lives defending freedom.”
In addition, his photos and interactions with famous Russians, such as Pavel Durov, Yuri Borisov, and Mark Eidelstein, attracted attention.