Terrifier Director Under Fire for Not Backing Art the Clown Actor

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As a backer of Damien Leone, the brilliant mind behind the “Terrifier” franchise, I find myself empathizing with his predicament in these divisive times. Some fans are criticizing him for staying neutral amidst the ongoing political turmoil, claiming he should “pick a side.”

Recently, David Howard Thornton, the talented actor behind Art the Clown, has been under fire on social media from MAGA supporters due to his vocal opposition towards President Donald Trump and the current administration, which includes tech visionary Elon Musk.

In response to these criticisms, Leone took to Facebook to express his stance, stating that he is a firm believer in “freedom of speech and expression.” He made it clear that he entered the world of filmmaking not to engage in politics or promote any particular ideology.

In the midst of this contentious political landscape we find ourselves in, I feel compelled to share some thoughts about the Terrifier franchise. It’s no secret that some of our team members are quite vocal on social media, expressing strong and at times intense political views – a freedom they rightfully possess.

As a passionate advocate for free speech and creative expression, let me clarify that Terrifier is absolutely not a political franchise. My entry into filmmaking was never about politics or pushing any specific agendas or ideologies, especially through the lens of a killer clown movie. Instead, my love for horror films stems from their pure entertainment value, and that’s the kind of movies I aspire to create.

From the start of Terrifier, our team has been made up of individuals from various political backgrounds – republicans, democrats, and everyone in between. We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of their political beliefs, as long as they exhibit good human qualities. This policy extends to our audience too. If this doesn’t align with the preferences of some fans or team members, that’s perfectly fine – I respect your decision. You are not obligated to watch our films or contribute to them. I appreciate your understanding and encourage you to not let political discord from any side prevent you from being a Terrifier fan.

For a while now, Thornton has been expressing his opinions about Trump, with his latest Twitter thread receiving the most response. Despite facing criticism, he appears unfazed and encourages those who disapprove of his views to keep reading through their feeds if they prefer not to engage with his posts.

Grew up among quiet Germans, and their silence taught me valuable lessons. I now choose not to be silent myself for the same reasons. If my stance doesn’t suit you, feel free to move on – it boils down to a matter of personal preference.

‘Terrifier’ Fans Are Not Happy With Damien Leone

Response to Leone’s statement has been quick on social media platforms, with some commending the director for his articulate views, while others have criticized him for not publicly condemning the offensive actions of the MAGA group targeting Thornton specifically. “The filmmaker behind Terrifier expressing his affection for horror films as a form of entertainment rather than making political statements… Frankly, a significant portion of the horror genre IS making a political statement. If you don’t want to engage in that, perhaps it’s time to explore a different profession,” expressed user @_delbz_ on X.

User @Killjoyjake1 expressed that it’s crucial to find a “respite” these days, as suggested by Leone. However, he emphasized that remaining silent now equals agreement. He urged everyone to stand up for the rights of their fellow Americans! In response, @gothfenian stated that he adores Terrifier, but being neutral isn’t an option for him at this point. User @sspiriorum was puzzled when Leone mentioned the franchise wasn’t political, as they believe the genre has traditionally been a platform to delve into the real-world struggles we encounter daily.

frankly, I can’t comprehend Damien arguing that ‘Terrifier’ isn’t political when horror movies have traditionally been so. It’s interesting to note the growing trend in horror where women’s bodies are portrayed as being controlled or manipulated (like in Blink Twice, Immaculate, or Nosferatu), or their physical appearances are distorted (such as in Substance or Grafted).

The escalating controversy surrounding the Terrifier series mirrors the turmoil that ensued in 2023 when Scream actress Melissa Barerra was dismissed from the subsequent installment following her public stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. As it did then, the discord has intensified, with both sides of the political spectrum bracing for further escalation as Terrifier 4 approaches. Already, there are voices demanding actor Thornton’s departure from the project, citing his director’s perceived lack of support in a recent dispute.

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2025-02-03 23:33