In a dramatic turn of events, 36-year-old actress Kristina Asmus has reportedly been removed from the set of the TV series "Sklif" due to alleged conflicts and disruptions in the filming schedule. This news, first reported by the Telegram channel Mash, claims that Asmus created a toxic atmosphere on set, leading to her dismissal from the project.
According to sources, Asmus was accused of failing to collaborate effectively with her colleagues, often delaying filming shifts and requesting last-minute changes to the script. Furthermore, it was alleged that she demanded to be credited as a creative producer, a role she did not hold. Such behavior was deemed unacceptable by the production team, prompting the decision to remove her from the project.
Asmus, however, vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as "slander" in a post on social media. "This is slander. Take care of yourself," she wrote, asserting that the reports were unfounded.
Her agent, Maria Nisanova, also came to her defense, stating that the final day of filming was planned and executed smoothly. Nisanova explained that the crew congratulated Asmus, presented her with flowers, and took photos as mementos of their time together. "If this is how actors are removed from set, then we can consider all actors ruthlessly hunted. And importantly, on time: at the end of the filming period," she remarked.
In a further clarification, Tina Kandelaki, the director of the TNT channel, confirmed the reports regarding Asmus's removal. "Yes, I can confirm the information that has already appeared on the Web. We are sincerely sorry because the project is turning out to be strong and ambitious. But, unfortunately, Kristina's specific behavior made further work impossible. This was not an easy but necessary step," Kandelaki stated in an interview.
The series "Sklif," which is expected to air later this year, features Asmus in the lead role as Evgenia Pokrovskaya, an emergency room doctor who navigates the challenges of her profession while also dealing with her personal life. The cast includes notable actors such as Matvey Lykov, Ivan Okhlobystin, Boris Khvoshnyansky, and Semyon Serzin.
Asmus's portrayal of Pokrovskaya is said to be that of an emotional and ambitious careerist, who fights against both difficult medical cases and the sexism she encounters in her workplace. The actress previously shared that her character is someone who maintains professional boundaries while dealing with the pressures of her job.
In December 2024, Asmus faced a setback when filming was postponed due to her injury, which involved a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. This injury occurred after a fall during a performance of "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Uezd," leading to multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process.
The recent allegations of her disruptive behavior on set have raised eyebrows, especially given her previous challenges. Sources close to the production have indicated that Asmus's conflicts were particularly pronounced with her co-star Matvey Lykov, who plays the male lead in the series.
Despite the turmoil surrounding her dismissal, Asmus's agent maintains that there was no animosity between the actress and Lykov. Nisanova emphasized that she witnessed a warm friendship between the two, countering claims of conflict.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the production team will proceed without Asmus, especially given the strong ambitions associated with the "Sklif" project. The series has been marketed as a major dramatic endeavor, and losing its lead actress poses significant challenges.
In the entertainment industry, such controversies are not uncommon, yet they often leave lasting impacts on those involved. Asmus's future in the series and her career may hinge on how this situation resolves, as well as the public's response to the unfolding drama.
As the series approaches its release date, viewers are left wondering how this situation will affect the final product and whether Asmus will remain a part of the conversation surrounding "Sklif." With tensions high and allegiances tested, the world of television production continues to reveal its unpredictable nature.