Producer Slams Claims of Antisemitism as ‘Smear’ Amid Film’s Withdrawal from Festival
The decision by Glastonbury Festival to cancel a screening of the film Oh, Jeremy Corbyn: The Big Lie has been condemned as “disgraceful” by its producer, Norman Thomas. The film, which focuses on the former Labour leader and his alleged victimisation, was due to be shown at the festival’s Pilton Palais cinema on June 25.
Thomas, of Platform Films, vehemently denied accusations that the documentary was antisemitic, calling such claims “a total smear” with “no foundation whatsoever”. His statement followed Glastonbury’s announcement that the film, initially booked “in good faith”, would no longer be shown after the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BDBJ) expressed concerns.
The BDBJ labelled the documentary “profoundly sinister” and raised alarms about it being showcased at a major event like Glastonbury. Thomas, however, suggested that the decision was the result of “vicious outside pressure” from groups who pressured the festival’s sponsors and organisers.
The documentary portrays Corbyn as the victim of a deliberate smear campaign and claims that current Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, played a role in this by acting as a “deceptive spy cop” within the party. Glastonbury organisers even had a lawyer assess the film and found it to be free from antisemitism, Thomas added.
Despite the cancellation, Thomas maintained that the controversy surrounding the film has gone on too long, and he continues to defend its content against what he describes as baseless accusations.
