> At a Glance
> – Kate Hudson, 46, plays Claire Sardina in Neil Diamond tribute-band biopic Song Sung Blue
> – Michael Sardina Jr. calls the film “all lies,” says he was cut out after paid consulting
> – Hudson: “out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it”
> – Why it matters: The public clash spotlights the tightrope actors walk when real-life families dispute on-screen portrayals
Kate Hudson is facing backlash from the son of the late musician she portrays, yet she is staying tight-lipped.
The Accusation
Michael Sardina Jr. told the Daily Mail the movie is “all lies” and that stars Hudson and Hugh Jackman, 57, ignored him despite his paid consultant role. He claims his father would be “rolling in his grave” and labels the actors “monsters” for erasing his presence.
Hudson replied to The Hollywood Reporter:
> “Honestly, I don’t even know – out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it.”
Family Ties vs. Film Script
- Michael Jr. and sister Angelina became step-siblings to Claire’s children, Rachel and Dayna, when Claire and Mike married in 1994
- Mike died in 2006; the couple’s 17-year career was first captured in the 2008 documentary Song Sung Blue by Greg Kohs
- Brewer’s new narrative film features Angelina, Rachel and Dayna (played by King Princess, Ella Anderson, Hudson Hensley) but omits Michael Jr. entirely
Hudson’s Awards Momentum
The Oscar-nominated actress told THR she “got to know Claire, who’s such a wonderful woman, and she’s so happy with the movie.” Hudson, reflecting on fresh Golden Globe buzz, added:
> “When you’re younger and this happens, there’s a different feeling to it – it’s more of a shock entrance… It gets me excited about the things moving forward.”
Key Takeaways
- Hudson refuses to engage publicly with Michael Sardina Jr.’s claims
- The film, now in theaters, keeps focus on Claire’s approval rather than family disputes
- Hudson’s awards attention could reignite her career two decades after Almost Famous
Song Sung Blue is currently playing nationwide.
