Kate Hudson Addresses Backlash After Being Called a “Monster” by Son of Song Sung Blue Musician
Kate Hudson has responded to criticism surrounding her new film Song Sung Blue, after the real-life son of one of the musicians depicted in the movie publicly condemned the project.
The film, directed by Craig Brewer, chronicles the story of Lightning & Thunder, a Neil Diamond tribute act formed by Milwaukee-based couple Mike and Claire Sardina. Hudson stars as Claire Sardina opposite Hugh Jackman, who plays her husband Mike.
Hudson Responds to Public Criticism
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hudson reacted to comments made by Mike Sardina’s son, Michael Sardina Jr., who claimed in a Daily Mail interview that the biopic misrepresents his family’s story and excluded him despite his role as a paid consultant.
“Honestly, I don’t even know—out of respect for our filmmakers, I’m not the right person to speak to it,” Hudson said, declining to directly address the accusations.
Michael Jr. alleged that the film is “all lies” and said he felt intentionally excluded from the narrative. He also criticized Hudson and Jackman for not contacting him during production, stating that his father would be “rolling in his grave” over the finished movie.
Family History and Film Portrayal
Claire Sardina married Mike Sardina in 1994, at which point Michael Jr. and his sister Angelina became step-siblings to Claire’s daughters, Rachel and Dayna. Mike Sardina passed away in 2006.
The couple’s relationship and musical journey were previously explored in the documentary Song Sung Blue, directed by Greg Kohs. While Claire’s daughters and Angelina are portrayed in Brewer’s dramatized adaptation, Michael Jr. does not appear in either the documentary or the narrative film.
Despite the controversy, Hudson emphasized that her relationship with the real-life Claire Sardina has been positive.
“I got to know Claire, who’s such a wonderful woman,” Hudson told The Hollywood Reporter. “She’s so happy with the movie.”
Reflecting on Career and Awards Buzz
Hudson has also been receiving awards attention for her performance as Claire, prompting her to reflect on how recognition feels at this stage in her career.
“When you’re younger and this happens, there’s a different feeling to it,” she said, referencing her Oscar-nominated breakthrough role in Almost Famous. “Now, it’s inspiring. It gets me excited about the things moving forward that I want to be doing.”
She added that each new role has the potential to reignite creative momentum, describing the current response as energizing rather than overwhelming.
What’s Next for Hudson
Song Sung Blue is currently playing in theaters nationwide. Hudson is also set to return in the upcoming second season of her Netflix comedy series Running Point, expected to premiere later this spring on Netflix.
As the film continues its theatrical run, discussions around artistic interpretation, family perspectives, and creative license remain part of the broader conversation—one Hudson has chosen to approach diplomatically while respecting the filmmakers’ vision.
The Complexity of Biopics
This controversy highlights the inherent challenges of biographical filmmaking, where multiple perspectives on the same story can clash. While Claire Sardina has expressed satisfaction with the film’s portrayal, her stepson’s strong objections underscore how family members may have vastly different interpretations of shared history.
Michael Jr.’s exclusion from both the documentary and narrative film, despite serving as a paid consultant, has raised questions about whose stories get told and how creative decisions are made in adapting real lives for the screen.
Hudson’s measured response—deferring to the filmmakers while emphasizing her positive relationship with Claire—reflects the delicate balance actors must strike when real-life subjects contest cinematic portrayals.
As Song Sung Blue continues its run, the debate surrounding authenticity versus artistic interpretation in biographical films remains ongoing, with no easy answers about how to honor all voices connected to a true story.