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ABC and CBS aren’t running spots for Ali Abbassi’s Donald Trump early days biopic The Apprentice, Deadline has confirmed.
Briarcliff Entertainment Boss Tom Ortenberg tells Deadline, “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.”
CBS has tonight’s debate between VP candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance and Briarcliff Entertainment was informed that the network didn’t feel comfortable advertising the Cannes Film Festival premiered title during the debate or newscasts. That said, the network is reportedly open to airing spots for the Oct. 11 release during other parts of the day.
ABC also refused to air spots for the movie during the last presential debate. The pic stars Sebastian Stan as a young real estate tycoon Trump and Jeremy Strong as his mentor, razor-sharp attorney Roy Cohn with Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump.
Trump’s campaign sent out a vitriolic cease-and-desist letter earlier this year after the movie’s debut at the Cannes Film Festival and threatened legal action against the production, but it’s been all bluster, no action. The Apprentice includes a moment where Donald Trump sexually assaults wife Ivana.
Deadline has reached out to networks for comment. We’ll update you when we hear back.
Deadline first told you that Briarcliff was handling distribution of The Apprentice.
