Public Theater Insists Trump-esque 'Julius Caesar' Production Has Nonviolent Message

The Public Theater is standing by its now-controversial production of Julius Caesar, which has come under scrutiny for the Trump-like resemblance of the title character (spoiler alert: Caesar was assassinated by Roman senators). Over the weekend, both Delta and Bank of America pulled their sponsorship for the event, after a tweet from Donald Trump Jr. sparked outrage online.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the theater acknowledged the growing controversy surrounding the play's interpretation, but said that "such discussion is exactly the goal of our civically-engaged theatre. This discourse is the basis of a healthy democracy."

The theater's statement also asserts that those taking offense to the violent portrayal of Caesar's death are missing out on the underlying message of the play. "Our production of Julius Caesar in no way advocates violence towards anyone," the statement continues. "Shakespeare's play, and our production, make the opposite point: those who attempt to defend democracy by undemocratic means pay a terrible price and destroy the thing they are fighting to save."

While both Fox News and Breitbart have celebrated the sponsors' decision to pull their support, many New Yorkers are now sticking up for the Shakespeare in the Park production.

In a letter sent to CEOs of Delta and Bank of America, City Comptroller Scott Stringer called the decision "short-sighted," and accused both of "effectively restrict[ing] the expression of what is ultimately a timeless piece of literature." He added that it might be helpful for them to actually read the play in the future, and included copies of the Folger edition of Julius Caesar with each of his letters.

Others have pointed out that Delta did not feel the need to pull their support from an earlier Julius Caesar production in which President Obama was depicted as the slain leader. That double standard has earned the airline an online boycott campaign.