Cannes, France – Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump have taken action to halt the US sale and release of the controversial film “The Apprentice.” The movie caused a stir at its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where it depicted Trump raping his first wife.
The Trump campaign had previously announced their intention to pursue legal measures against the film’s producers. Trump’s spokesperson, Stephen Cheung, condemned the movie as a work of fiction containing debunked falsehoods. He expressed outrage at the portrayal of the former president and vowed to combat what he deemed as defamatory content.
In response to the cease-and-desist letter, the film’s producers defended their work as a fair and balanced portrayal of Trump. They welcomed viewers to make their own judgments after watching the film.
Notable figures, such as Dan Snyder, a former NFL team owner and Trump supporter, have also considered taking legal action to prevent The Apprentice from being distributed in the US. Snyder, who originally supported the project with the expectation of a positive portrayal of Trump, was reportedly displeased with the direction the film took.
The movie, starring Sebastian Stan as Trump, includes scenes that have elicited gasps from audiences, particularly one depicting the alleged rape of Ivana Trump by her then-husband. The depiction mirrors details from the couple’s divorce proceedings in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Despite the legal threats, the director of the film remains unfazed and urges Trump’s team to view the movie before pursuing further action. The controversy surrounding The Apprentice underscores the ongoing debate over the portrayal of public figures in creative works and the role of fiction in storytelling.
As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of The Apprentice’s US release hangs in the balance, sparking discussions about the intersection of art, politics, and accountability in media representation. Whether the film will see the light of day on American screens remains uncertain as the clash between artistic expression and legal challenges continues.