Criticism of Kurier: Clint Eastwood speaks of a fictional interview!

Criticism of Kurier: Clint Eastwood speaks of a fictional interview!

On June 3, 2025, a recently published interview with Clint Eastwood caused controversy. The “Kurier” published the interview on the occasion of the actor and director’s 95th birthday, but Eastwood made it clear that the entire interview was fictitious. This claim has now led to strong criticism, particularly from FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker, who described the situation as questionable in terms of media policy and called for consequences if Eastwood's account is true. According to OTS, the “Kurier” receives 3.9 million euros in press funding annually, which is tied to quality criteria.

Hafenecker suggested rethinking press funding for 2025, especially with regard to the “Kurier” “My Newspaper Subscription” model, which is intended to protect young people from “fake news”. He expressed concerns about whether the “courier” with such a reputation should continue to be represented in the subscription model. In this context, he criticized the subscription model and warned that it could be dangerous to distribute media that is seen as producing “fake news” to young people.

The background to the controversy

Clint Eastwood is no stranger to political debate. In 2012, while supporting Mitt Romney at the Republican National Convention, he gave a controversial speech in which he claimed that Barack Obama's presidency was the "greatest deception" against the American people. These statements were widely quoted and paraphrased on social media. In a meme circulating in a Facebook group supporting Donald Trump, his statement was altered and called the "biggest scam." Despite the rewording, the core of Eastwood's criticism of the then-president remained, as Snopes reports.

Eastwood is known for his civic commentary and has taken other provocative positions in recent years. Rumors of a collaboration with Denzel Washington for a "non-woke" film production studio have also spread. Additionally, Eastwood was noted for his criticism of luxury and material possessions, suggesting that true wealth lies in experiences. In 2024, a quote about patriarchy attributed to him that was widely shared on social media became discussed and controversial. These various aspects of his personality and his public statements show how strongly Eastwood is viewed as a symbol of many conservative views in Hollywood.

Fake news and the pressure on the media

The allegations against The Courier, coupled with Eastwood's alleged fabricated interview, raise questions about media integrity. Hafenecker pointed out that it is important to challenge “fake news” producers who receive press funding, both socially and financially. His concerns go beyond mere criticism of a media company; They affect the entire media environment and the responsibility towards young readers, as highlighted in the report by OTS.

Overall, Clint Eastwood's recent claim about the fabricated interview is another example of how the issue of fake news and media responsibility is coming into focus. The discussion about press funding and the “Kurier” subscription model will certainly continue in the coming months. Despite the various controversies, Eastwood remains a defining figure whose statements and actions continue to be subject to widespread public discussion, as documented on Snopes.