Former President Donald Trump has denied claims by filmmaker Chris Columbus that he insisted on appearing in the popular Christmas comedy film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
“They rented the Plaza Hotel in New York, which I owned at the time. 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!” President Trump wrote.
He added: “That cameo helped make the movie a success, but if they felt bullied, or didn’t want me, why did they put me in, and keep me there, for over 30 years? Because I was, and still am, great for the movie, that’s why! Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix of Trump publicity for himself!”
Mr. Columbus, who also directed the first “Home Alone” film, told the outlet in 2020 that President Trump sought a cameo appearance in addition to the usual fee to be able to film in the Plaza Hotel.
“So we agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on-screen. So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience,’” he said, further claiming that Mr. Trump “did bully his way into the movie.”
Responding to Mr. Columbus’s interview, President Trump said: “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
“That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas time. People call me whenever it is aired,” he said. “Now, however, 30 years later, Columbus ... put out a statement that I bullied myself into the movie.”
He also appeared in several TV commercials for eatery chains Pizza Hut and McDonald’s. Other brands President Trump appeared in include Pepsi, Macy’s, Oreo, and Visa.
