Peaky Blinders Strongly Condemns Ron DeSantis’ Homophobic Video Featuring Cillian Murphy

Following the distribution of a homophobic video by Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, the creators of the British detective thriller ‘Peaky Blinders’ have condemned the ad, claiming that the show’s footage was utilized without permission or formal authorization.

The ad, which DeSantis’ team released on Twitter, slams fellow 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump for his support for LGBTQ rights. It makes fun of Trump for backing Caitlyn Jenner’s bathroom choice and for allowing transgender women to compete in his Miss Universe pageants. The edited video, which was first uploaded by @ProudElephantUS and then by DeSantis’ campaign account @DeSantisWarRoom, contains a clip of queer artist Tyler, the Creator yelling “Psych!” before spotlighting DeSantis’ legislative efforts against LGBTQ people.

A clip in the movie shows the Republican governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, wearing sunglasses, with the headline: “DeSantis Signs ‘Most Extreme Slate of Anti-Trans Laws in Modern History.” Along with images of shirtless guys and frightening headlines, there are two snippets of Cillian Murphy’s character, Tommy Shelby, from “Peaky Blinders.”

Murphy and “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, as well as Caryn Mandabach Productions, Tiger Aspect Productions, and Banijay Rights, issued a united statement condemning the video’s narrative and unlawful use of the show’s content.

This is not the first time DeSantis has had a run-in with Hollywood. He famously engaged in a legal battle with Disney by revoked the company’s authority to self-govern its 25,000-acre Orlando campus. During a May earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger described DeSantis’ actions as vindictive in response to the entertainment conglomerate’s resistance to DeSantis’ controversial “Don’t Say Gay” measure in 2022.