Kate Hudson Speaks Out Amid ‘Monster’ Claims Over New Film

Kate Hudson is addressing the controversy surrounding her latest film as off-screen drama threatens to overshadow on-screen success.

After initially staying silent, the actress has now responded to explosive claims made by a real-life figure connected to the story behind “Song Sung Blue.”

The remarks have sparked debate about artistic license, family wounds, and where responsibility lies when real lives inspire Hollywood storytelling.

The backlash erupted after a Daily Mail interview with Michael “Mike” Sardina Jr., the real-life son of musician Mike Sardina, whose life inspired the film. Hudson stars opposite Hugh Jackman in the movie.

The pair portray Mike and his wife Claire Sardina, Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute performers who rose to local fame in the 1990s under the name Lightning And Thunder.

Michael Jr. alleged the biopic distorted the truth, claiming it was “all lies” and that he was “purposely cut out of the film” despite being paid to consult on it.

His frustration escalated when he accused the film’s stars of erasing his existence during promotional interviews.

In his interview, Michael Jr. did not hold back, directing his anger squarely at Hudson and Jackman.

He said, “Every interview that those monsters have been on national television don’t even mention my existence at all, even though I was the most prevalent force in my father’s life, even when I wasn’t in Wisconsin, because I’m his only son.”

He added, “They didn’t even try to contact me… They didn’t try to get more information… They could have very easily asked Craig [Brewer].”

The remark ignited fierce online debate, with fans split between defending the actors and sympathizing with a son who felt sidelined in the retelling of his family’s story.

For a while, Hudson remained silent as speculation swirled about how deeply the accusations had rattled the production.

Now, Hudson has finally addressed the controversy, choosing her words cautiously.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Thursday, she declined to address the accusations directly.

She said, “Honestly, I don’t even know — out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it.”

Her response signaled an effort to redirect attention back to the creative team rather than inflame a deeply personal dispute.

Rather than refuting the claims or offering her own interpretation of events, Hudson positioned herself as a performer respecting the boundaries of the project.

Despite the controversy, Hudson’s performance has drawn significant acclaim. This week, she earned a surprise SAG-AFTRA nomination at The Actor Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.

She joins a competitive field that includes Jessie Buckley for “Hamnet,” Rose Byrne for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” Chase Infinity for “One Battle After Another,” and Emma Stone for “Bugonia.”

“Song Sung Blue,” written and directed by Craig Brewer, debuted on Christmas Day to a strong $7 million opening weekend.

The film has since grossed $26,743,920 domestically and $4,965,000 internationally, reaching a worldwide total of $31,708,920.

The ensemble cast includes Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, Mustafa Shakir, Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.

As the film continues its theatrical run, Hudson’s restrained response highlights the fragile line between storytelling and lived experience, especially when unresolved grief collides with public narratives and the unforgiving glare of celebrity culture.

The real-life dynamics behind the film are complex. Michael Jr. is the son of Mike Sardina from his second marriage to Diane Annunziata. When Mike married Claire in 1994, it was his third marriage, blending families that included Michael Jr., his sister Angelina, and Claire’s two children from a previous relationship, Rachel and Dayna.

Tragedy reshaped the family’s life in 1999 when Claire was struck by a disoriented driver while gardening, resulting in the amputation of her leg below the knee. The accident ended Lightning and Thunder’s performing career, forcing Mike to pivot to work as an auto mechanic and handyman.

Mike Sardina later died on July 27, 2006, at age 55, following complications from a severe brain bleed caused by a fall at his Milwaukee home. He slipped into a coma and passed away days later, leaving behind a complicated legacy now revived through cinema.