Croatia: Calls for boycott of Zagrebačka pivovara over actor Rene Bitorajac

Calls for a boycott of Zagrebačka pivovara products have emerged following a controversy involving actor Rene Bitorajac. The dispute began after Bitorajac appeared in Lordan Zafranović’s film ‘Zlatni rez 42 – Djeca Kozare’, in which he portrays Vjekoslav Maksa Luburić, a high-ranking official of the Ustaše repressive apparatus.

Psychiatrist Herman Vukušić has publicly called on veterans and their families to boycott the brewery while Bitorajac participates in its advertising campaigns. Vukušić expressed dissatisfaction with the actor’s involvement in the film, which he suggests carries a controversial political message. Stevo Culej, a former member of the Croatian Parliament and veteran, has also joined the calls to boycott the Ožujsko beer brand.

Bitorajac has responded to the criticism by stating he is neither a historian nor a politician, arguing that his professional decision to play a historical figure should not be interpreted as support for that figure's ideology or actions. There is currently no verified data indicating whether these individual calls have resulted in a widespread organized campaign or a change in the brewery's marketing partnerships.