Donald Trump Denies Bullying Claims in Home Alone 2, Boasts His 3-Second Cameo Made the Movie
3 min read
KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/Getty Images
Donald Trump, the former president, took to his Truth Social account to address recent comments made by Chris Columbus, the director of Home Alone and Home Alone 2. Columbus suggested in an interview that Trump “bullied” his way into a cameo appearance in the 1992 sequel. Trump, in response, denies the claims and asserts that his brief cameo significantly contributed to the film’s success.
Donald Trump’s Response to “Bullying” Allegations
Trump, using his Truth Social platform, refuted Columbus’s statements about how he secured a role in Home Alone 2. He claimed that 30 years ago, Columbus and others were persistent in seeking his cameo appearance, and despite being busy, he eventually agreed. Trump insisted that the cameo, which was filmed at the Plaza hotel he owned at the time, played a pivotal role in making the movie a success.
‘Home Alone 2’ director reveals Donald Trump “bullied” his way into the movie:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) December 24, 2023
“We approached The Plaza Hotel, which Trump owned, because we wanted to shoot in the lobby. Trump said OK. We paid the fee, but he also said, ‘The only way you can use it is if I’m in the movie.’” pic.twitter.com/DhYuXAPwpH
Chris Columbus, the director of Home Alone 2, shared insights into how Trump’s cameo came to be. Columbus stated that when the production sought permission to film in the Plaza lobby, owned by Trump, the former president insisted on having a role in the movie. Columbus agreed to include Trump under the condition that they could use the Plaza for filming. He mentioned that during the first screening, the audience unexpectedly cheered when Trump appeared on-screen, leading him to decide to keep the cameo in the movie.
In response to Columbus’s assertion that Trump “bullied” his way into the movie, the former president vehemently denied the claim. Trump argued that if he was unwanted or perceived as a bully, the filmmakers had the option to exclude him. He questioned why they would keep his cameo in the movie for over 30 years if they felt bullied or did not want him.
‘Home Alone 2: Lost In New York’ star Donald Trump says the producers begged him to appear in the film.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 28, 2023
“I was very busy, and didn’t want to do it. They were very nice, but above all, persistent. I agreed, and the rest is history… That cameo helped make the movie a success!” pic.twitter.com/EcSXPWfGjD
Audience Reaction and Columbus’s Decision:
Columbus emphasized the audience’s positive reaction to Trump’s cameo during the initial screening, describing it as an unexpected and unique moment. The cheers from the audience influenced his decision to retain Trump’s appearance in the final cut of the film.
Donald Trump – Previous Film Cameo and Production Tactics:
This isn’t the first instance of Trump leveraging his ownership of a property for a film cameo. In the 1992 film Scent of a Woman, Trump had a small role, but the scene didn’t make the final cut. Matt Damon, who starred in the film, revealed that Trump’s appearance was a necessary tactic to secure the permit, a common practice when filming at Trump-owned locations.
Revisiting Trump’s Cameo History:
The controversy surrounding Trump’s cameos in films, such as Home Alone 2 and Scent of a Woman, brings attention to the strategies employed by filmmakers to gain access to Trump-owned locations. The debate over Trump’s influence on the success of Home Alone 2 continues to stir discussions about celebrity cameos and their impact on cinematic experiences.
The dispute between Donald Trump and Chris Columbus regarding the former president’s cameo in Home Alone 2 highlights the intersection of politics, entertainment, and filmmaking. As the two present contrasting narratives, the controversy adds a new layer to the history of Trump’s cameo appearances and raises questions about the dynamics between public figures and the film industry.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
