Oscar Nomination Ignites Bitter Family Feud Over Biopic Accuracy
The recent Oscar nomination for Kate Hudson's performance in Song Sung Blue has provoked a furious response from the son of the real-life man portrayed by Hugh Jackman in the film. The nomination has exposed deep family divisions and accusations of historical inaccuracy surrounding the musical biopic.
Scathing Critique From The Subject's Son
Mike Sardina Jr, the 41-year-old son of the late Mike Sardina from a previous marriage, has delivered a blistering assessment of Hudson's Oscar-nominated work. In stark contrast to the Academy's recognition, he described her performance as "weak" and expressed bewilderment at the critical acclaim.
"I thought her performance was weak. I have no idea why everyone is kissing her rear over it," he told the Daily Mail. "The story was weak and the acting was not pleasant on the eyes or ears."
He went further, labelling Hudson's Oscar nod as an "abomination" and the praise for her work as "disgusting." His criticism extended to the entire production, which he called a "travesty" and a "disgrace" that would have his father "rolling in his grave."
Family Divide Over Portrayal
The controversy has revealed a significant split within the Sardina family. While Mike Jr condemns the film, his sister Angelina, 40, has taken a more complimentary view of Hudson's portrayal of their stepmother, Claire Sardina.
"I think Kate did a great job," said Angelina, describing the nomination as "well-deserved" and Hudson's work as "outstanding." She felt Hudson definitely outshone Jackman, though she noted that Jackman's portrayal "didn't feel like my dad" and fell short of capturing his character.
Financial Compensation And Consultation Concerns
Both siblings were paid $30,000 each to serve as consultants on the film, a figure Mike Jr has described as "pathetic." Text messages between Angelina and producer John Fox confirm this payment amount and acknowledge frustrations about the limited consultation process.
Angelina revealed she had no contact with King Princess, who portrayed her on screen, nor with Hudson or Jackman during production. The contract signed by both siblings stated there was no obligation for consultation and authorised a fictionalised telling of their story.
Premiere Tensions And Alleged Restrictions
When invited to the New York City premiere on December 11, Mike Jr claims he was instructed to "keep away from any of the stars and reporters." Defying these alleged orders, he approached Hudson directly to introduce himself, while Angelina conversed with Hudson's mother, Goldie Hawn.
Mike Jr has called Hudson and Jackman "monsters" for failing to mention his existence during the promotional tour, despite being what he describes as "the most prevalent force in my father's life."
Director's Acknowledgement Of Inaccuracies
Director Craig Brewer has acknowledged the film's deviations from reality in text messages to Angelina, writing: "I know there's so much that I didn't get that was accurate." He also recognised Mike Jr's frustration, particularly because he "didn't directly help the movie."
Angelina summarised the fundamental issue: "The only thing that was true is the love between my dad and Claire." She added that while the film presents "a great story" and "a beautiful story," "that's not how it went down."
Allegations Of Domestic Reality Omitted
Mike Jr claims the film fails to depict what he describes as their "extremely violent" household, which included alleged drug use and sibling rivalry. He also highlighted the omission of the difficult period following Claire's 1999 accident, when she was struck by a driver while gardening and required a below-the-knee amputation.
This tragedy led to the end of Lightning and Thunder's performances, with Mike Sr turning to work as an auto mechanic and handyman. The film portrays his death differently from reality, where he died in 2006 at age 55 from complications following a fall at his Milwaukee home.
Legal Action And Hopes For Vindication
Mike Jr, who claims to have developed an unreleased AI interface, is hopeful that a potential lawsuit against the production company will bring to light what he considers the true story of his father's life. He seeks "vindication" and "retribution" for what he perceives as the film stealing "all the hard work that my father put in his entire life."
He has proposed that a bonus section featuring the true story be added to the film's end. Representatives for Hudson, Jackman, and the production companies have been contacted for comment regarding these allegations and the ongoing family dispute.
