Danny Trejo continues to face criticism over his role in “Pawn Shop,” a film tied to Ben Shapiro and immigration enforcement.
However, his son, Gilbert Trejo, has now defended him, claiming the actor did not know about Shapiro’s involvement when he accepted the job.
Gilbert explained that his father’s hands are tied, as he risks legal repercussions if he speaks against the project or tries to leave his contract.
Danny Trejo’s Son Says Dad Took The Role Without Knowing The Players
Danny Trejo’s son, Gilbert Trejo, is defending the actor amid growing criticism over his involvement in the controversial film linked to conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.
The Daily Wire and Bonfire Legend project “Pawn Shop” has been described as pro-ICE. It continues to face criticism over its apparent portrayal of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
Gilbert claimed his father did not know who Shapiro was and only learned of his involvement about two weeks after production began.
In a statement shared on his Instagram Story, he explained that the “Machete” actor accepted the role believing it was a complicated story about a Mexican shop owner trying to find peace during a difficult time.
“For anyone seeing this sh-t with my dad, he was booked on a film, it’s not pro-ICE, it’s not overtly pro anything. His agent described it as ‘a complicated story about a complicated time, where everyone looks bad except you, the hardworking Mexican shop owner who just wants peace,’” he explained, per The San Fernando Valley Sun.
Danny Trejo’s Son Says Dad Took The Role Without Knowing The Players
According to Gilbert, the family only learned about Shapiro’s involvement after filming was underway.
He also claimed that his father cannot publicly criticize the conservative commentator or leave the production without risking a breach-of-contract lawsuit.
“My 82-year-old dad has never heard of Ben Shapiro, I had to explain to him who that is and what kind of guy he is. My dad contractually can’t badmouth him, the film, or walk away without being sued for breach of contract. He couldn’t even release the statement he wanted to,” he said.
“It’s f-cked up. He’s handcuffed to this stupid project,” Gilbert wrote, expressing frustration that people had turned against his father without knowing the full story.
- Trejo defends his role in Ben Shapiro’s movie, saying he’s “not pro-ICE.”
- The actor emerged from a death hoax with a hopeful Thanksgiving message.
- Trejo had a different opinion on Kim Kardashian’s move during the LA fires.
- Trejo’s divorce was finalized eight years after filing.
- Nick Offerman reacts to Ben Shapiro’s rant about “gay Ron Swanson.”
- Jonathan Majors faces criticism for a comeback film linked to Shapiro.
Danny Trejo Draws A Clear Line: ‘I Am Not Pro-ICE’
Gilbert went further, accusing Shapiro of benefiting from the controversy. He argued that the situation had damaged his father’s reputation while drawing attention to the film.
“Ben Shapiro got Mexicans to abandon one of their heroes, got his own name to the top of Google’s searches, and made us look like angry fools lacking any nuance. He wins,” Gilbert added.
Meanwhile, Trejo recently addressed the criticism himself, reaffirming his support for Mexican people and immigrants. He also made it clear that he does not support ICE.
“Hey everyone. I want to address some social media comments about me,” he wrote. “Make no mistake. I am a proud Mexican who has always been and will always be a supporter of my community. I am also obviously pro-immigrant. I am not pro-ICE. I know where I come from and I know our struggles. I am an actor. My job is to tell a story. God bless you, Danny.”
‘Pawn Shop’ Gets Back To Work With New Ground Rules
Production paused after Livingston residents complained that Shapiro had turned their community upside down with road closures, armed guards, blank gunfire, and pyrotechnics.
The Livingston City Commission reinstated the film’s permit, allowing production to resume on October 6, per The Associated Press.
However, the crew must follow new rules. Among other requirements, they were told not to interfere with the local food bank and to prevent private security from policing residents on public streets.
They must also ensure that residents are protected from violent scenes and unbearable noise levels.
Ben Shapiro Cries Censorship Over ‘Pawn Shop’ Production Halt
The earlier decision to halt production did not sit well with Shapiro, who accused the city council of political censorship.
“Let us be clear: there’s only one reason the city commissioners ruled they were going to stop our production on the street: politics, pure and simple,” he said on his eponymous show.
He took aim at Commissioner Cindy Daniels, who had raised concerns about residents’ safety and mental health. He also argued that the decision violated the First Amendment.
“That is content discrimination openly performed and a violation of the First Amendment,” Shapiro noted, going on to call his critics “censorious jack-sses.”
Meanwhile, residents have voiced concerns over the production’s use of pyrotechnics and a staged car crash since filming began. They took issue with the stunts being carried out without proper notice to local residents and businesses.
