Spike Lee Slams ‘Misinformed’ Critics of Chicago Crime Movie ‘Chiraq’

“During The Principle Photography June1st-July 9th There Were 331 People Shot And Wounded Plus 69 Murdered,” director says

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 19: Spike Lee attends a rally to end gun violence and film a scene for the film 'Chiraq' on June 19, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images)
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Spike Lee is taking aim at critics of his upcoming film “Chiraq” — this time on social media.

The Oscar-nominated director posted a photo of the film’s production slate on Instagram this weekend, announcing it had wrapped principal photography. He captioned the picture with a message to the film’s detractors who have criticized the title “Chiraq,” which is a nickname used to compare Chicago to war-torn Iraq.

“To The Misinformed Critics Of CHI-RAQ During The Principle Photography June1st-July 9th There Were 331 People Shot And Wounded Plus 69 MURDERED,” Lee wrote. “May God Bless Them,Their Families And Friends.”

Instagram
Instagram

The slate also included a tribute to the nine victims of last month’s tragic shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. “R.I.P Charleston South Carolina 9,” was written at the top of the slate.

“Chiraq” is set to highlight the growing gun violence in Chicago, and stars Samuel L. Jackson, John Cusack, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, Dave Chappelle and Common.

The movie has been a constant source of contention in The Windy City, with local politicians, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel, taking aim at its title for likening Chicago to a war zone.

However, there is no denying the city’s sky-high murder rate. Just this past weekend, six people were killed and at least 26 others wounded in shootings around the city, the Chicago Tribune reported Monday.

In May, Lee held a news conference in Chicago and defended the film’s title as he stood next to residents holding photos of loved ones killed by gun violence.

“A lot of people have opinions about the so-called title of the film, again, who know nothing about the film,” he  said at the time. “Wait until the movie comes out. You don’t like it, you don’t like, but wait, see it first.”

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