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Deep Dive: Starsuckers (2009)

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Starsuckers
Starsuckers is a 2009 British documentary directed by Chris Atkins that aims to expose the deception behind celebrity culture. The film features the production team planting false celebrity stories in UK media, such as a fabricated claim about Avril Lavigne sleeping in a nightclub, which tabloid newspapers published without verification. The film was presented at the British Film Institute's 53rd Film Festival and included thirty minutes of footage shown during the Leveson Inquiry as evidence. The documentary also faced legal threats from publicist Max Clifford just days before its premiere, highlighting the contentious nature of its subject matter.

Why Watch

  • •See how false celebrity stories are created and spread.
  • •Find out about the legal threats faced by the filmmakers.
  • •Meet the traders convicted of tax fraud linked to the film.

Did You Know

•On October 23, 2009, the makers received a legal threat from Max Clifford's law firm.
•In December 2015, three City traders were convicted for tax fraud related to Starsuckers.
•In June 2016, two producers of Starsuckers were jailed for tax fraud.

Perfect For

Celebrity cultureMedia ethicsTax fraud cases