Amazon MGM Studios spent a whopping $40M to secure distribution rights for the documentary Melania. The documentary was released in theaters in January this year and grossed around $16.7 million worldwide, which wasn’t nearly enough for the film to break even. Now, Elizabeth Warren has accused the studio of engaging in bribery to gain favorable treatment from the current U.S. administration.
Amazon asked to give breakdown of $40M distribution rights money for Melania documentary
The documentary revolves around Melania Trump’s journey from being a Slovenian model to becoming the First Lady of the United States. The issue that Warren raised was that the price Amazon paid to acquire distribution rights for the documentary was reportedly far higher than competing bids. The senator highlighted that Amazon offered $26 million more than the next highest bidder, Disney.
In a letter to Amazon, Warren claimed that Amazon paid a “far-above-market sum” to produce a film about the Trump family, which “raises questions about Amazon’s exposure under federal anti-bribery law.” She further stated that corporations shouldn’t use money to gain a political advantage or violate bribery laws.
“The American people deserve assurance that powerful corporations are not using their financial resources to gain political influence or favorable treatment at public expense — and that these corporations are not violating federal bribery laws,” Warren’s letter to Amazon read.
Furthermore, Warren, along with Representative Hank Johnson, demanded explanations from the studio as to how the $40 million deal was negotiated and whether there were any ties to government officials.
Meanwhile, Amazon has denied any wrongdoing, stating that there was no “improper” conduct while negotiating the deal, as they regularly produce documentaries across the political spectrum.
“We disagree with any suggestion that Amazon’s decision to license this film and accompanying series was improper. We regularly release documentaries that offer unique perspectives on cultural and historical figures across the political spectrum,” a statement from Amazon’s VP of public policy Brian Huseman read.
“Amazon MGM Studios became the licensor of the film and accompanying series following a thorough and competitive bidding process. ‘Melania’ gave us the opportunity to tell a story that’s never been told before, with unprecedented access to a historic presidential transition through the perspective of the First Lady. Our decision was based on the film and series itself — the access, the story, and its cultural and historical relevance,” the statement further noted.
Amazon’s deal is reportedly the highest-ever price for a commissioned documentary. Apart from the distribution rights money, the studio reportedly paid another $35 million for marketing purposes.
What do you think about the entire fiasco between Elizabeth Warren and Amazon? Let us know in the comments section below.
