Donald Trump’s attorneys are making legal moves to prevent the release of a controversial new biopic about the former president. According to Variety, Trump’s legal team has issued a cease and desist letter to the filmmakers of “The Apprentice,” a film that chronicles Trump’s real estate career in the 1980s.
The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this week, includes a highly contentious scene depicting Trump sexually assaulting his then-wife, Ivana Trump. This portrayal has drawn significant attention and backlash, leading to the involvement of Trump’s legal team.
In their cease and desist letter, Trump’s lawyers demand that the filmmakers halt any efforts to secure a U.S. distributor or release date for the movie. The letter warns the filmmakers against pursuing distribution deals, citing potential legal consequences. The film, despite its lack of a U.S. distributor, received a nearly eight-minute standing ovation at Cannes, highlighting its polarizing nature and the intense public interest surrounding it.
The filmmakers behind “The Apprentice” have not yet publicly responded to the cease and desist letter. Their next steps could include seeking legal counsel to contest the claims made by Trump’s attorneys or attempting to negotiate terms that might allow for the film’s release.
The movie’s premiere at Cannes and the subsequent legal actions have sparked widespread debate. Supporters of the film argue for artistic freedom and the importance of addressing all aspects of public figures’ lives, while opponents, including Trump’s legal team, argue that certain depictions are defamatory and harmful.
The film’s reception at Cannes indicates a strong interest in the narrative, despite—or perhaps because of—the controversies it stirs. Industry insiders are closely watching the situation to see if the film will manage to secure a distribution deal in the face of legal challenges.
This legal battle underscores the ongoing tensions between public figures and their portrayals in media. As biopics and documentaries about prominent individuals continue to attract attention, the lines between public interest, artistic license, and personal reputation remain hotly contested.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future films about living public figures, particularly those involving sensitive or controversial content. For now, the fate of “The Apprentice” remains uncertain as legal proceedings unfold.
