Amazon requested that an Oregon theater stop screening Melania after promotional marquee messages sparked controversy, leading to what the theater described as a sudden cancellation. The incident has fueled debate over corporate influence, artistic discretion, and tolerance for satire.
The Lake Theater & Café in Lake Oswego, Oregon, had been scheduled to screen Melania, a film following First Lady Melania Trump in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. While promoting the film, the theater displayed marquee messages that referenced the first lady in a tongue-in-cheek manner. One line read, “To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Melania starts Friday,” attributed to Sun Tzu. Another asked, “Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday.”
According to the theater, the marketing drew attention from Amazon. “Got a call that the higher ups (i.e., at Amazon) were upset with how our marquee marketed their movie (i.e., Melania), that, per them, Sunday would be its last day here,” the theater wrote on Instagram Monday. The post confirmed that Amazon had requested the film be pulled.
After the decision, the theater updated its marquee again, stating, “Amazon called, our marquee made them mad. All Melania shows canceled. Show your support at Whole Foods instead :(” Another sign read, “Join Amazon Prime for free 2-day shipping.”
The controversy triggered a wave of reactions. Theater staff reported receiving emails and voicemails from both supporters and critics. Some objected to what they viewed as mocking the first lady, while others criticized the decision to show the film at all. Online reviews of the theater dropped sharply, though many were later removed by Google. One remaining review stated, “Loved this theater until now. Deeply disappointed the business is supporting an administration that kills innocent Americans in the street. I will never be a patron again.”
Owner Jordan Perry defended the initial decision, saying, “I do not view our film programming as political. I try to choose films for the community that they want to see.” He added that the current film market is a “desert” and said the goal was inclusivity.
Amazon has not issued a public statement confirming the revocation of screening rights.
