Slovak publisher Ikar ends cooperation with Jozef Banáš

The publishing house Ikar has terminated its collaboration with writer Jozef Banáš following a controversy surrounding a book of interviews with the late actor Milan Lasica. The publication, which was distributed by the weekly Plus 7 dní, contains interviews from 1991 conducted in Vienna.

Hana Lasicová, daughter of the deceased actor, accused Banáš of breaking a written promise made through lawyers to not publish the material out of respect for her father. She also released correspondence from 1992, alleging that Banáš had previously used her father to influence his situation after his involvement with the ŠtB (State Security) was revealed.

In a video response, Banáš admitted to breaking his promise to the family's legal representative. He stated that he originally offered the work to Ikar, which declined due to plans for a different publication by Hana Lasicová. He claimed he eventually accepted an offer from a tabloid-leaning publisher, motivated by a desire to preserve Lasica’s legacy and provide a calming voice for Slovakia during difficult times.