The Blumhouse Productions CEO is booed offstage after voicing his disdain at the U.S. President while receiving the IFF Achievement in Film and Television Award.
- Nov 7, 2018
AceShowbiz - Jason Blum didn't receive much love with his political speech at the 32nd Israel Film Festival. The "Halloween (2018)" producer was booed and removed from the stage at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles where he was honored with the 2019 IFF Achievement in Film and Television Award after making anti-Donald Trump remarks.
"The good thing about this country is that you get to like Trump but I don't have to and I don't like him," the founder and CEO of Blumhouse Productions told the crowd at the Steve Tisch Cinema Center on Tuesday night, November 6, the same day the midterm elections took place. His statement was met with audible boos, but he tried to talk through it.
While a few audience members started walking out of the theater, some others yelled, "Get off the stage!" and "We like Donald!" Blum continued, "As you can see from this auditorium, it's the end of civil discourse. We have a president who calls the press the enemy of the people. Thanks to our president, anti-semitism is on the rise."
Yossi Dina, an Israeli pawnbroker who starred in a reality show called "Beverly Hills Pawn", approached the stage and attempted to pull Blum down, while the crowd cheered and clapped. A woman then called security before Blum was asked to leave the stage and Dina backed off. "Enjoy the movie, and I love and respect all of you," Blum said before exiting the stage. "Now I'm being physically removed, which is why Trump is not the right guy."
Blum has taken to Twitter to address the episode, writing, "Well, this night went kinda haywire."
Well, this night went kinda haywire. https://t.co/NMb37yQAUn
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
He also posted his complete speech, which he wasn't able to finish, in a series of tweets.
I was honored by the Israel film festival tonight and, unfortunately was not allowed to finish the speech I was trying to give. Here is the message...
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
I am honored to be recognized by a group dedicated to showcasing Israel's thriving film and television industry. I’m especially honored to share the stage with Avi Nesher whose work I have admired for many, many years. Avi has never been afraid to tackle serious social issues...
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
Not to mention Homeland, which would not exist if not for Hatufim. So, tonight we have much to celebrate as we open the 32nd Israel Film Festival. At the same time, today, Americans went to the polls to exercise our right to vote on what kind of future we want for our children.
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
We have seen the end of civil discourse. We have a President who calls the Press the enemy of the people. Nationalism is surging. Dog whistle politics are rampant and anti-Semitism is on the rise in ways my generation never thought imaginable.
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
These are NOT isolated incidents. They are NOT happening somewhere else. They are happening HERE in our communities and we must step up and speak up. We cannot allow anti-Semitism or bigotry of any form to become mainstream. Those of us who work in film and television...
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
It’s time for us to be vigilant in bringing new voices to the cinema. To nurturing diverse filmmakers from all walks of life who can offer unique perspectives on the world. When you have a chance to walk in the shoes of others who are not like you, it is harder to hate.
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
It’s time for us to be vigilant in bringing new voices to the cinema. To nurturing diverse filmmakers from all walks of life who can offer unique perspectives on the world. When you have a chance to walk in the shoes of others who are not like you, it is harder to hate.
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
If we are not accountable, we may wake up one day in a country we don’t even recognize. Let us all hope that today’s election starts to chart a different course - not just for the U.S., but for the world – one that reaffirms the values that we all cherish. Thank you.
— Jason Blum (@jason_blum) November 7, 2018
The IFF has not commented on the treatment Blum received at the event.
