Trump biopic 'The Apprentice' faces ad ban amid legal threats
The lacklustre rape scene, a falling addicted brother, or an ambiguous relationship with another millionaire - "The Apprentice" about the early life of Donald Trump is one of the most controversial premieres of the year. American networks are blocking the film's advertisements.
Soon, the film "The Apprentice," starring Sebastian Stan, will arrive in Polish cinemas. The actor portrays a young Donald Trump, who begins his ascent up the New York financial ladder with the aid of an influential businessman. "The Apprentice" has been contentious from the beginning. Following the initial screenings in Cannes, the creators struggled to find a distributor for the film, partly due to threats of legal action from Donald Trump's lawyers.
Film about Donald Trump being blocked
In a statement sent to journalists, a Trump campaign spokesman described it as "pure malicious defamation," asserting that the film "should not see the light of day, and doesn’t even deserve a place in the straight-to-DVD section of a bargain bin at a soon-to-be-closed discount movie store, it belongs in a dumpster fire." However, it ended with threats only.
In the United States, promoting "The Apprentice" isn't simple. According to "Deadline," ABC and CBS refused to air the film's advertisements during debates and news programmes. Tom Ortenberg of Briarcliff Entertainment commented: "The timidity and cowardice of those in the corridors of power in Hollywood never ceases to amaze. Despite all the obstacles thrown in our way, we are thrilled to be able to bring The Apprentice to theatres –and only theatres– next Friday, Oct. 11."
The networks' decision stems from ethical concerns about promoting a film about one of the presidential candidates within the context of news coverage. CBS expressed willingness to air spots at other times of the day, but not during news programmes. ABC took similar steps during the last presidential debate.
In the film "The Apprentice," Sebastian Stan plays young Trump, and Jeremy Strong portrays his mentor, lawyer Roy Cohn. Maria Bakalova features as Ivana Trump. The reservations of the news networks appear appropriate. In the production, viewers will see the controversial behind-the-scenes formation of Trump's multimillion-pound businesses, which could influence the ongoing presidential campaign.
