Despite backlash over its rendition of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," which includes the gory assassination of a ruler who resembles President Donald Trump, the Public Theater on Monday said it "stands completely behind" its production.
Delta and Bank of America on Sunday said it was withdrawing sponsorship for the off-Broadway production following criticism on social media. The play has come under fire from one of Trump's sons and Fox News.
"We understand and respect the right of our sponsors and supporters to allocate their funding in line with their own values," the Public Theater said in a statement released to new outlets. "We recognize that our interpretation of the play has provoked heated discussion; audiences, sponsors and supporters have expressed varying viewpoints and opinions."
Delta said the play's simulated assassination of Trump "crossed the line" and chose to "present 'Julius Caesar' in a way that was intended to provoke and offend."
The Public Theater said "such discussion is exactly the goal of our civically engaged theater; this discourse is the basis of a healthy democracy. Our production of Julius Caesar in no way advocates violence towards anyone. Shakespeare's play, and our production, make the opposite point: Those who attempt to defend democracy by undemocratic means pay a terrible price and destroy the very thing they are fighting to save. For over 400 years, Shakespeare's play has told this story, and we are proud to be telling it again in Central Park."
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