Left-wing filmmaker Michael Moore drew cheers on social media after announcing Tuesday that he has pulled his documentaries from North Carolina theaters, but not for the reasons he may have anticipated.
“I have asked my distributor NOT to book my film in any theater in North Carolina due 2 their bigoted law against LGBTQ ppl. They have agreed,” Mr. Moore said on Twitter.
The filmmaker was flooded with comments such as “please boycott TN as well,” “add PA as well” and “Hey, SOUTH Carolina is considering a similar law! Better boycott us, too, just to be on the safe side.”
“The people of 36 other states see new wisdom in North Carolina’s clearly self-interested stand,” said another Tweet.
Mr. Moore, known for liberal documentaries including “Roger & Me” and “Fahrenheit 9/11,” also received opposition from the “North Carolina needs you” campaign, which has argued that entertainers such as Bruce Springsteen, who is boycotting the state, should instead become more involved with its politics.
“Don’t cancel your show because of the bigoted policies of a few wrongheaded lawmakers and our governor. Instead, play the shows. Use the stage as a platform to make a statement,” said the website ncneedsyou.com.
Others responding to Mr. Moore’s tweet praised his decision, and more than 2,400 indicated that they “liked” his tweet. “Michael, that’s awesome! Thank you for your support!” said one.
Several commenters doctored photos online of the “Welcome to North Carolina” sign that included the phrase “A Michael Moore-free state.”
The North Carolina law, signed last month by Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, prohibits opposite-sex use of public restrooms.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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