“The Apprentice” – one of the most controversial and sought-after films of the year, portraying the life of a young man donald trump – is too risque for some major TV networks… at least during debates and news broadcasts.
Briarcliff Entertainment, the film’s distributor, tells TMZ … a 15-second ad for the film was rejected by ABC and CBS to air during debate nights.
It’s time to stop scrolling and watch the trailer for #TheApprentice. You know that. I know that. Everyone knows that. Only in theaters, October 11th. pic.twitter.com/g1yQsxLSa1
– The Apprentice (@ApprenticeMov) September 10, 2024
@AprendizMov
CBS, which is hosting tonight’s debate between Tim Walz and JD Vancetold Briarcliff that the network doesn’t feel comfortable promoting “The Apprentice” in the debate or during national news — but is open to advertising the film during other parts of the day.
ABC, which hosted the presidential debate a few weeks ago, rejected Briarcliff’s ad during debate coverage because the network wanted to stay away from ads that “talk about related topics on the broadcast.”
You may recall that Trump and his team fought hard to block the film’s release, sending a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers in May. But Briarcliff Entertainment ended up securing the rights and will release the film in theaters nationwide on October 11th.
TMZ obtained the 15-second ad that was rejected by the networks, which you see here.
Sebastian Stan stars as Donald Trump at the beginning of his rise to power, eager to learn from his mentor, famous right-winger and political fixer Roy Cohn …played by the star of “Succession” Jeremy Forte. In the clip, you hear Strong’s character declare, “If you’re indicted, you’re invited.”
Of course, the scene that’s generating the most buzz is when Stan’s Trump is depicted sexually assaulting his ex-wife. Ivana Trumpinterpreted by Maria Bakalova. We should note that Trump and his lawyers have repeatedly denied the sexual assault allegation – which the filmmakers lifted from Ivana’s 1989 divorce deposition.
We’ve reached out to CBS and ABC for comment… so far, no response.
