Ukrainian model refuses Netflix role, slams depiction of Ukrainian women
Kateryna Bilyk declines Netflix role (photo provided by the model)
Ukrainian model and international beauty pageant finalist Kateryna Bilyk declined an offer to appear in a major Netflix project due to the stereotypical and one-sided portrayal of Eastern European women, according to her interview with the Ukrainian D1 channel.
Stereotypical script and conversation with the director
According to Kateryna, the project was a high-profile story about the so-called Eastern European elite, featuring elements of crime and a provocative lifestyle.
Filming was planned in several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia.
Kateryna Bilyk (photo provided by the model)
She explained that the script and the character's portrayal did not align with her personal values.
“They were considering me for one of the roles. I had a call with the director to discuss the concept. But the script itself and the way the character was presented did not match my values,” Bilyk said, adding that she decided to end the collaboration after discussing the concept with the director.
Kateryna Bilyk (photo provided by the model)
Principles over popularity
“I don’t want to support or promote a portrayal that distorts the reality of Ukrainian women and women from Eastern Europe in general. I have a different vision of a strong, smart, independent woman,” she said.
Kateryna Bilyk (photo provided by the model)
Kateryna noted that professional positioning is more important to her than participating in a potentially successful but controversial media project.
“For me, it’s important not just to act, but to understand what exactly I am projecting to the world,” the influencer concluded.
Who is Kateryna Bilyk
Kateryna Bilyk is a Ukrainian model and influencer who holds the Miss Supranational Ukraine 2025 title and ranked among the top 12 internationally.
Kateryna Bilyk (photo provided by the model)
She gained widespread popularity thanks to combining her modeling career with an active civic stance and high-profile social gestures, such as handing out a thousand white roses in Kyiv to support the city’s residents.
