Chapter 309: Why Apologize

The next morning, the tabloids, ever eager for chaos, were filled with condemnations of Murphy, while the major newspapers remained restrained and cautious, refraining from reckless reporting until more concrete news emerged. But the tabloids were different—they thrived on sensationalism, and this incident was just the type they relished.

"Racist..."

"Disgraceful discriminator..."

"Lacking the most basic respect for women, severe gender bias..."

Such labels were flung at Murphy as if they cost nothing, even sharper than the attacks by Natalie Portman's fans online.

It seemed as though the tabloids wouldn't be satisfied until they had dragged Murphy into the abyss.

Sitting in Bill Rossis's car, Murphy put down the tabloid, his demeanor very calm. He hadn't expected Gal Gadot to hold such crucial evidence, but he wasn't in a hurry to disclose it. After viewing it the previous night, he summoned Kara Faith and a head from the 20th Century Fox publicity department to Santa Monica, planning to launch a counterattack while generating initial buzz for his upcoming film.

Of course, the publicity wouldn't reveal the specific name or details of the film; it would center around Murphy Stanton's new project.

Also, upon returning last night, the team at 20th Century Fox had mobilized resources. That morning, some newspapers and online platforms had stories suggesting "Natalie Portman faces setbacks in securing role in Murphy Stanton's new film."

Murphy was genuinely angry with Natalie Portman; she was pushing him down a path similar to that of Mel Gibson.

He hadn't expected Natalie Portman to act this way. If it weren't for Gal Gadot's early wariness of her, attempting to catch some damning evidence on film to confront her directly, the situation could have been much more troublesome.

Perhaps his non-traditional Hollywood approach really did hurt her pride?

Murphy shook his head and smiled, but he had to admit that Natalie Portman was indeed clever. Her statements were suggestive but didn't directly accuse him of racism—the rest was just media hype.

Such a woman shouldn't be in Hollywood; she should be in Washington, playing a part in that even more shameless political game.

"Some Jewish radical groups have already issued statements," said Bill Rossis, driving, "demanding you apologize immediately."

Murphy snorted coldly, not replying.

The car had just stopped at the warehouse set's entrance when a crowd of paparazzi surrounded him. Fortunately, the crew's security personnel were there, creating a relatively safe pathway for Murphy.

"Director Stanton, are you a racist?"

A reporter shouted from a distance, unable to reach him, "Won't you respond to Miss Portman's comments?"

"Do you discriminate against Jewish people, and what does your girlfriend think about this?"

Hearing this, Murphy really wanted to ask these people if they were out of their minds. If he were truly prejudiced against Jewish people, would he be dating Gal Gadot?

But some people only see what they want to see.

Just as Murphy was about to enter the warehouse, a reporter with glasses pushed through to nearby and loudly asked, "Don't you think you owe an apology?"

Murphy suddenly stopped, turned his head to look at the reporter, and said sharply, "Why should I apologize? To whom? Who have I harmed? Just based on one side of the story, you're ready to judge me?"

Seeing him respond, the reporters surged forward crazily, but Murphy didn't speak further and walked through the gate.

The media and online comments were somewhat affecting the crew, but Murphy didn't offer any explanations, continuing his preparations methodically.

Those who had been with Murphy long-term knew him well and were minimally affected; the crew's work continued relatively undisturbed.

The most noticeable impact was on negotiations for the female lead role. After Charlize Theron attended an audition, Murphy had tentatively decided to cast her as Amy. The negotiations were progressing smoothly, with the remuneration set at a base of $5 million plus a five percent share of North American box office receipts.

The contract was supposed to be signed in the next few days, but after Murphy and Bill Rossis arrived on set, they received a call from Charlize Theron's agent. Citing a sudden commitment related to her endorsements, the signing was temporarily postponed.

This was a normal occurrence. Charlize Theron wasn't Murphy's friend, and amidst such a sudden scandal with unclear circumstances, she understandably didn't want to muddle through recklessly.

Murphy would have done the same.

But his friends were vehemently supporting him, even without knowing the true circumstances.

"I don't think Murphy would say or do those things," James Franco stated firmly to the press. "Someone is lying about this."

In an interview, Jonah Hill said directly, "We were considering big names like Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, and Charlize Theron for the female lead. Natalie Portman was never in our considerations. She desperately wanted to join our crew and after being rejected, started making these absurd statements. She's the most malicious woman I've ever met."

"Some people may appear glamorous on the outside," Robert Downey Jr. said in an interview in Europe, "but inside, they're more rotten than decayed flesh."

Seth Rogen also faced the press, "Some people lie without blinking an eye. Everyone in Hollywood knows there's a Harvard graduate who's notoriously two-faced."

Even reporters and paparazzi cornered Gal Gadot at the University of California, Los Angeles.

"She never considered me a friend, and I don't have such friends," Gal Gadot firmly used Murphy's words. "The real ***** likes to play innocent and shy, only women can tell who the real ***** is."

Seeing that scene from the office, she no longer hid her disgust for Natalie Portman.

The media and the public love such topics, especially the tabloids and major gossip sites, which thrive on such controversies. They tacitly split into two camps.

One side stood with Natalie Portman, accusing Murphy of being a racist because of her Jewish heritage, opposing her as the new film's lead actress.

The other side stood with Murphy, claiming Natalie Portman was simply lying...

They weren't really aligned with either Murphy or Natalie Portman; their stance was whatever attracted the most public attention.

Moreover, with the dispute ongoing, frequent media appearances of Murphy Stanton's new film, codenamed "G," also attracted a lot of attention from movie fans. What kind of role and crew could have sparked such an overt conflict between Natalie Portman and Murphy Stanton?

The uproar definitely caught the attention of Hollywood's Jewish power brokers. A few Jewish executives at CAA also called Murphy to inquire about the situation, but after Bill Rossis sent them a copy of some documents, they chose to remain silent.

This stance was quickly communicated by CAA; Murphy was generating substantial profits for CAA annually, and since he hadn't made those comments, they certainly wouldn't allow one of their most promising young directors to be backtracked.

Meanwhile, as Murphy's staunchest ally, Kara Faith was also actively working within 20th Century Fox, preparing for a counterattack.

With evidence to support their position, 20th Century Fox wouldn't let the statements of one person disrupt a significant investment.

The media hype and arguments lasted for three days, with the topic of the new film

 being intensely hot. Murphy couldn't let such discussions continue forcibly; the gathering of reporters and paparazzi at the studio gate was manageable, but from the afternoon of the third day, sporadic protest groups also began appearing, carrying banners and placards that drew more participants.

If this continued, it would severely affect the crew's preparation work.

On the afternoon of the third day, Bill Rossis and Grace invited major North American media on behalf of CAA to a press conference where Murphy would respond to the "racism" allegations.

Not only print media but also online media and television stations were invited. With Kara Faith's efforts and 20th Century Fox's consideration from a publicity standpoint, Fox Television announced it would broadcast the press conference live on their entertainment channel.

Murphy's blog and the official blog for "G" would also stream the event live.

"They're holding a press conference?"

In a suite at the Hilton, Natalie Portman fumed, "They want to argue this point? Martin..."

She looked at her agent, Martin Miller, who had just entered, "Can these things be clearly explained? Didn't you contact the Jewish organizations within the circle? What did they say?"

Martin Miller's expression was very serious, "They've chosen to remain silent."

"Why?" Natalie Portman's voice was sharp.

"Some of them saw something at CAA, so they decided to keep quiet," Martin Miller looked at Natalie, "Nat, tell me the truth, did Murphy Stanton ever say those things or show such intentions?"

He knew his client was notoriously difficult.

Natalie Portman opened her mouth but said nothing.

Martin Miller continued, "Murphy Stanton clearly has evidence. You'd better apologize to him and reach a settlement."

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