Politics

Trump Campaign Denies Paying Actors At 2016 Launch

Al Weaver Reporter
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Donald Trump’s campaign is firing back amid accusations that they paid actors to appear and support the real estate mogul at his presidential launch yesterday at Trump Tower in New York City.

In a statement to The Daily Caller, campaign manager Corey Lewandowski denied that Team Trump paid anyone to cheer on the candidate’s Wednesday announcement, saying there is no need since he already attracts large crowds.

“No,” Lewandowski said flatly when asked if the campaign paid actors for the event. “Mr. Trump draws record crowds at almost every venue where he is a featured speaker. The crowds are larger, often record-setting and enthusiastic with consistent standing ovations. Mr. Trump’s message is ‘Make America Great Again.'”

The Trump campaign’s statement disputes a Daily Mail report, which claims sources close to actor Domenico Del Giacco confirm he was indeed paid to attend.

The story originally surfaced when Media Matters executive vice president Angelo Carusone pointed out a now-deleted Instagram post featuring Del Giacco and fellow actress Courtney Klotz. According to the Daily Mail piece, the post was deleted when comments began pouring in asking if the two were paid for attending.

UPDATE:

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Trump campaign did indeed pay actors $50 apiece to attend the launch. They obtained the casting call for event showing this to be the case.