‘The Apprentice’: CBS & NBC Reject TV Spots During Debates Citing News Standards; Distributor Briarcliff Calls Out Networks For “Timidity & Cowardice”

ABC and CBS aren’t running spots for Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump early-days biopic The Apprentice during the campaign debates, Deadline has confirmed.

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Briarcliff Entertainment boss Tom Ortenberg tells Deadline, “The timidity and cowardice of those in the corridors of power in Hollywood never ceases to amaze. Despite all the obstacles thrown in our way, we are thrilled to be able to bring The Apprentice to theatres — and only theatres — next Friday, October 11.”

CBS has tonight’s debate between VP candidates Tim Walz and J.D. Vance and Briarcliff was informed that the network didn’t feel comfortable advertising the Cannes Film Festival -premiering title during the debate or newscasts. That said, the network is reportedly open to airing spots during other parts of the day. We understand that CBS doesn’t want to affiliate a paid ad featuring a movie trailer about one of the presidential candidates with their news broadcasts due to ethical concerns stemming from standards and practices for news coverage. Briarcliff wanted to buy ads on CBS news programs.

ABC reportedly also refused to air spots for the movie during the last presidential debate.

The Apprentice stars Sebastian Stan as young real estate tycoon Trump and Jeremy Strong as his mentor, razor-sharp attorney Roy Cohn. Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova plays Ivana Trump.

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Trump’s campaign sent out a vitriolic cease-and-desist letter earlier this year after the movie’s debut at Cannes and threatened legal action against the production, but it’s been all bluster, no action. The Apprentice includes a scene in which Trump sexually assaults his then-wife, Ivana.

Deadline has reached out to networks for comment. We’ll update you when we hear back.

Deadline first told you that Briarcliff was handling distribution of The Apprentice.

This was the spot that the networks didn’t want to air during debates:

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