Donald Trump has made headlines once again, this time in relation to his short-lived and selective showbiz career. 1992 release Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is back in the news, owing to Trump addressing claims of him 'bullying' his way into a cameo for the movie. The former President of the United States, countered director Chris Columbus' claims, while also attributing the film's overall success to his cameo.

Donald Trump claims credit for Home Alone 2's success

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump recounted his version of events, as per which Columbus and team were "begging" him to be a part of the film. Expressing pride in his brief appearance, Trump further shared, "That little cameo took off like a rocket, and the movie was a big success, and still is, especially around Christmas time. People call me whenever it is aired."

Countering claims of "bullying" his way into the film, Trump said, "Nothing could be further from the truth...That cameo helped make the movie a success, but if they felt bullied, or didn’t want me, why did they put me in, and keep me there, for over 30 years? Because I was, and still am, great for the movie, that’s why! Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix of Trump publicity for himself!"

Chris Columbus's version of events

In a 2020 interview with Business Insider, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York director, Chris Columbus, revealed how the team wanted to shoot in The Plaza Hotel in New York. However, they were told by Donald Trump that the only way they would be given permission was if he would feature in the film. Columbus had also revealed being genuinely surprised at audience reactions to the cameo, which were largely favourable.

He said, "we agreed to put him in the movie, and when we screened it for the first time the oddest thing happened: People cheered when Trump showed up on screen. So I said to my editor, ‘Leave him in the movie. It’s a moment for the audience.’ But he did bully his way into the movie..."