Sharon Stone abandons film set to be shot in Mississippi due to anti-LGBT law
14 April 2016 Entertainment News
Fourth Estate Staff
Jackson, MS, United States (4E) – Hollywood A-lister Sharon Stone reportedly abandoned her plans of shooting a new flick that was supposed to be shot in Mississippi due to the passing of the controversial anti-LGBT law.
According to reports, a film by Eyevox Entertainment, which is about the consequences of cyber bullying entitled “The Principal” was to be shot in Mississippi over the summer. Mississippi Film Studios president Rick Moore confirmed the news.
Stone would have been the actress and James Cromwell reportedly was tapped to direct the film. The actress and the movie producers chose to abandon the plans due to the “religious objection” law.
The controversial bill passed recently in Mississippi called House Bill 1523 allows public and private businesses to refuse service to gay couples based on their religious beliefs. This has been met both with support and criticism.
Moore shared that the actress feels strongly that shooting in Mississippi is not an option while the law exists. The other producers of the film also chose to regroup and find another location. He also noted that he has heard other projects will no longer be filming in the state due to the similar reasons that Sharon Stone and her team backed out on the flick.
Moore continued to say that although it is too early to say what the long-term effects are regarding the bill, they have noticed that immediate shift in conversation about the movies considering their filming in the state. He added, “HB 1523 has stirred many passionate opinions, which has unfortunately slowed the momentum of the film industry. The incentive is still strong to shoot in Mississippi, so I expect independent productions without A-list talent will still consider it an option.”
The 58-year-old actress also released her own statement saying that she will not be working in any state that holds or is actively creating laws that will legally support discrimination against American citizens “whether due to their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.” She also noted in her statement that she will not work in states that have laws passed or approved by the government of any state that discriminates against the aforementioned reasons.
The law in Mississippi is to take effect this July 1.
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