Amazon pulls 'Melania' from theater over marquee joke, description
- - Amazon pulls 'Melania' from theater over marquee joke, description
Anthony Robledo, USA TODAYFebruary 5, 2026 at 7:42 PM
0
A theater in northwestern Oregon said that Amazon has pulled the new "Melania" movie from screening after its marquee offered its own description of the film.
The Lake Theater & Cafe in Lake Oswego, located eight miles south of Portland, is known for crafting witty, creative descriptions of its films on its sign, and the "Melania" movie was no exception.
For the documentary centered on First Lady Melania Trump, the local business's marquee read: "Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday' and — quoting Sun Tzu’s 'The Art of War' — 'To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Melania starts Friday.'"
In a Feb. 2 Instagram post, the theater revealed that Amazon MGM Studios contacted them, saying they were "upset with how our marquee marketed their movie" and that the tech giant decided the film would no longer screen there after Sunday, Feb 8.
View this post on Instagram
The marquee was later to read: "Amazon called our marquee, made them mad all Melania shows canceled show your support at Whole Foods instead :(."
The Lake Theater & Cafe wrote that they also received "countless emails and voicemails and Google / Yelp reviews (Google / Yelp took them down), wondering why the hell we had Melania here, or disdaining our disparaging of her."
"Now that it's prematurely over, the plug pulled on us not from public outcry (always listening, thank you) but by some corporate executive (fair enough, sorry AMZN, please don't cancel my Prime)," they continued in the caption.
USA TODAY has reached out to Amazon, Google and Yelp for comment.
First lady Melania Trump speaks during a meeting with Keith Siegel and Aviva Siegel in the Blue Room of the White House on Feb. 4, 2026, in Washington, DC.Theater manager 'happy to oblige' with Amazon's removal
Jordan Perry, the manager of the cinema, said there are no hard feelings with Amazon MGM after the studio told its film booker that it wanted the documentary "off our screens" due to its marquee description. "Was happy to oblige as having the film at all didn't seem to sit well with much of the local community, or at least a portion of it who are our usual clientele," Perry told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.
"Not personally seeking to contribute to any left/right discourse — have my views, vote, have conversations with those around me — but I enjoy the arts and nature and I encourage those not actively involved in effecting change, or at least when not actively involved in effecting change, to do the same. We are what we eat," Perry added.
Following an outage caused by some moviegoers, Perry explained his decision to screen the movie on the theater's website, challenging claims that showing the film supports the first lady, the Trump administration, or its policies. He wrote, "The marquee may seem mean, but my hope, always, is to, though momentarily fanning flames, ultimately lower the temperature."
He wrote that an $11 ticket to screen the movie would only give $5.50 to "a film company now owned by Jeff Bezos."
her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kPIJUfIm8Tz0prAIUCEH7Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e9a060ebff35a96492ddd601c4f6255 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
">First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kPIJUfIm8Tz0prAIUCEH7Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/6e9a060ebff35a96492ddd601c4f6255 class=caas-img>Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qZlOqDnnF26iZsboLlERqw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1771f090f77de104486915d1fb331425 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
">Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qZlOqDnnF26iZsboLlERqw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1771f090f77de104486915d1fb331425 class=caas-img>First lady Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_FAkRZBtOcRdDwtUNFtCFA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/afa303c9149853d10f0279bd0959719f class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
First lady Melania Trump
">First lady Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_FAkRZBtOcRdDwtUNFtCFA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/afa303c9149853d10f0279bd0959719f class=caas-img>President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XcnhxUg1k1n_sT5z10Q9qA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20dfc90f57d13993163321274c10ceca class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
">President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XcnhxUg1k1n_sT5z10Q9qA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20dfc90f57d13993163321274c10ceca class=caas-img>President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LDvRRWuBmzik_YuyqXHOqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e00f38e914465997f2968ce250a98479 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LDvRRWuBmzik_YuyqXHOqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e00f38e914465997f2968ce250a98479 class=caas-img>The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dNj_si212WKTykIMrbR60g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2874a38fdb1dc384236c8ae094a7bbc1 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
">The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dNj_si212WKTykIMrbR60g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2874a38fdb1dc384236c8ae094a7bbc1 class=caas-img>The couple shared a smile for the cameras
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BwpnfrDPRzoTAqRFl.WKVQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aaa90f8865e3073a97eddee9e8755e0b class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The couple shared a smile for the cameras
">The couple shared a smile for the cameras
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BwpnfrDPRzoTAqRFl.WKVQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aaa90f8865e3073a97eddee9e8755e0b class=caas-img>The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4ThxLqp7ftydATBHl2P9NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5d49261734366616d6e843ff6c0730d1 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
">The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4ThxLqp7ftydATBHl2P9NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Nzk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5d49261734366616d6e843ff6c0730d1 class=caas-img>The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
">The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rOn68.tno45_MSGugazHcw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5289bd9e53770f84dbbdbb564e09e3b9 class=caas-img>President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TrmRVhXIG9rHWmzgYFTkSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/392e3047f518994abbf859dc5ed000e2 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
">President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TrmRVhXIG9rHWmzgYFTkSQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/392e3047f518994abbf859dc5ed000e2 class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XCbrufzd1aQIchWivaoTRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc6ab8a2e4a51cba14521238ff7c556b class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Sm4CanKt3i6aHI_1XRZEag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1cd59c3192e1b47a76ed3889e7a82df class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Sm4CanKt3i6aHI_1XRZEag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03Mzc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d1cd59c3192e1b47a76ed3889e7a82df class=caas-img>The first couple greet the press.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/F10xDkBNTP1YE6OvgaTbRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cb471823f72b2fa4b3bae59cd700b2f0 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
The first couple greet the press.
">The first couple greet the press.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/F10xDkBNTP1YE6OvgaTbRA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cb471823f72b2fa4b3bae59cd700b2f0 class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AuflJSdfP94oxyUgR9mjCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a2edc32f6e613f9a491d837917d87636 class=caas-img>President Trump and Melania Trump
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JV9e8OjRMmJJV5.Y5r0oOQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e3b8808f0303860498760b1ea5daa39b class=caas-img data-headline="Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere" data-caption="
President Trump and Melania Trump
">President Trump and Melania Trump
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JV9e8OjRMmJJV5.Y5r0oOQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e3b8808f0303860498760b1ea5daa39b class=caas-img>
1 / 15Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere
First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.
"Many now call it propaganda, but the word did not cross my mind, and, having watched the film, yes, though it has intentional blind spots, this is 'Melania' as Melania herself wants to be known, and not everyone will find it flattering," he wrote.
Despite heavy backlash and low critical ratings, "Melania" was a box-office smash, notching $7 million in its opening weekend, according to estimates released by Amazon MGM Studios on Feb. 1.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon pulls 'Melania' doc from Oregon theater over marquee joke
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
