Politicians are occasionally into throwing out a pop culture reference or two, but the line is a lot finer for people in that profession. As a politician, you aren't supposed to endorse products, and certainly not products you are financially invested in. However, Treasure Secretary Steven Mnunchin recently made just that flub when he endorsed The Lego Batman Movie during an interview. He has since apologized for the issue. Here's what went down exactly.
Recently, Steven Mnunchin was asked about his former work as a Hollywood producer. During the interview with Axios, he at first declined to give any sorts of Hollywood recommendations, but at the end of his chat, after noting he had the "legal disclosure" and was not promoting a product, he added that people should "send all your kids" to see The Lego Batman Movie. The flippant remark might have gone over well, depending on the audience, but unfortunately Treasure Secretary Steven Mnunchin is no longer a producer, and it's not exactly his job to charm a room any longer in promotion of flicks. Here is the comment he made exactly.
Well, I'm not allowed to promote anything that I'm involved in. So I just want to have the legal disclosure that you've asked me the question and I am not promoting any product/ But you should send all your kids to Lego Batman.
Some people actually did get riled up about the off-the-cuff remark about The Lego Batman Movie, and it should be noted Steven Mnunchin did serve as an executive producer on the film. The man then came out and apologized, noting to CNN Money that he really wasn't trying to endorse a product when he made the comments he did. Here's what Mnunchin had to say:
It was not my intention to make a product endorsement... I should not have made that statement.
Senator Ron Wyden then asked the ethics office to look at the comments the former Hollywood producer made, but it looks like there won't be a serious investigation of any sort. Currently, it looks as if Steven Mnunchin won't be getting disciplined for the action, as he later apologized for the remarks. So, as of now, this looks to be the end of the issue. It's not going to become Legogate or anything.
Since we are not remotely related to politics and love talking all movie opinions on this website, if you haven't caught The Lego Batman Movie, yet, it is currently still in theaters. You can find out how CinemaBlend feels about the new movie with our full review. Or just take a look at what other flicks are coming up with our upcoming movies schedule.
