Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editor Questions Accuracy of

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is questioning the accuracy of Clint Eastwood’s movie “Richard Jewell” forward of its premiere on Wednesday.

In a letter obtained by TheWrap, AJC editor-in-chief Kevin G. Riley challenged the portrayal of the newspaper within the movie, in keeping with an unnamed colleague Riley mentioned had seen it. Riley mentioned Eastwood depicted Journal-Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs buying and selling intercourse with an FBI agent in change for a tip on a narrative, however he said that there isn’t a proof this ever occurred and that Scruggs herself is deceased.

Riley additionally defended the paper’s reporting of the Richard Jewell case, difficult the notion within the movie that the paper ran its story primarily based on questionable sourcing, that the paper’s determination making was unsound and that the paper did not problem regulation enforcement’s investigation.

Also Read: Clint Eastwood Takes Aim on the FBI and the Media in ‘Richard Jewell’ Trailer (Video)

“This is essential because the underlying theme of the movie is that the FBI and press are not to be trusted. Yet the way the press is portrayed often differs from reality,” Riley mentioned within the letter to TheWrap on Monday. “As more and more filmmaking has come to Atlanta and Georgia, we’ve gotten a taste of just how difficult it can be to cover this industry. I share this information in the spirit of a fellow journalist who knows how crucial it remains to have solid information when covering demanding stories. It’s also ironic that a film purporting to hold the media to account disregards such crucial facts.”

Warner Bros. didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

“Richard Jewell” is the story of a safety guard on the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta who was wrongfully accused of being a terrorist in reference to a bombing try at Centennial Olympic Park. Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) had found a backpack full of explosives and was initially deemed a hero for serving to to evacuate attendees and alert regulation enforcement, however he was later thought of a suspect earlier than lastly being cleared.

Eastwood directed the movie from a screenplay by Billy Ray primarily based on {a magazine} article by Marie Brenner. It makes its world premiere Wednesday on the AFI Film Festival and opens in theaters Dec. 13.

Also Read: Clint Eastwood’s ‘Richard Jewell’ to Premiere at AFI Fest

Riley says he has not personally seen the movie, however that the paper’s reporting on the film is predicated on a colleague who attended a preview screening.

Riley’s first level of clarification entails reporter Scruggs, who died in 2001 at age 42. Riley says there isn’t a proof that Scruggs ever exchanged intercourse with an FBI agent for a tip on a narrative.

“There is no evidence that this ever happened, and if the film portrays this, it’s offensive and deeply troubling in the #MeToo era,” Riley mentioned. “Kathy Scruggs was the AJC reporter who got the initial information that law enforcement was pursuing Jewell. Scruggs was known as an aggressive reporter and committed journalist who sought always to beat her competition.”

Riley mentioned the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was additionally the primary to report that authorities have been questioning Jewell as a suspect within the bombing. He added that the AJC delayed the story to acquire unbiased affirmation of the story’s key info past the unique supply and that an AJC reporter learn your entire story to an FBI spokesman to verify its accuracy earlier than publishing. However, Riley mentioned that Eastwood’s movie reveals the paper publishing the story calling Jewell a suspect regardless of questionable sourcing.

Also Read: Clint Eastwood to Shoot ‘Richard Jewell’ in Georgia Despite Boycott Over Anti-Abortion Law

“The determination to publish was influenced by a number of elements, together with the AJC’s affirmation from law-enforcement sources that they have been specializing in Jewell, and extremely…