Filmmaker Eddie Huang has ignited a significant controversy, publicly accusing streaming platform Mubi of intentionally “shelving” his latest documentary, ‘Vice Is Broke,’ in retaliation for his vocal protest against the company’s financial ties to an investor linked with an Israeli defense-tech startup. This serious allegation has been swiftly and firmly denied by Mubi, setting the stage for an escalating dispute within the entertainment industry. The core of the contention revolves around artistic freedom and corporate responsibility.
Huang detailed his claims in a recent Instagram post, asserting that he received a direct call from Mubi executives informing him that all promotional efforts for his film had ceased and the project was effectively “shelved.” He further stated that Mubi allegedly offered him and the film’s producers the opportunity to “buy it back,” implying that otherwise, the documentary would not be released to audiences, a move he perceives as punitive.
The filmmaker clarified that this alleged action by Mubi followed his public support for an open letter penned by various Mubi-affiliated creators, which critically challenged the company’s investment deal with the private equity firm Sequoia Capital. Huang revealed he had already communicated his decision to withdraw from promoting ‘Vice Is Broke’ as a personal protest against Mubi’s association with Sequoia, prior to the distributor’s purported decision.
Emphasizing his conviction, Huang stated he believes he made the right choice, resisting any attempts to be “gaslit” into thinking otherwise. He passionately urged his followers and political organizers to lend their support, reiterating his firm stance: “Sometimes in life, you just gotta say no,” highlighting the moral imperative he felt in his actions.
In stark contrast to Huang’s assertions, Mubi issued a concise statement to Deadline, categorically refuting the claims that ‘Vice Is Broke’ has been shelved. The distributor affirmed its ongoing commitment to bringing the film to its intended audience, stating they are engaged in “constructive discussions with the filmmaker and producers about the film’s release on Mubi.”
The controversy surrounding Mubi stems from its May announcement of a $100 million investment from Silicon Valley-based Sequoia Capital. While Sequoia boasts a diverse portfolio including major tech giants, its contentious link to the Israeli defense-tech startup Kela, founded in 2024, has drawn significant criticism from parts of the film community and public.
Kela, established by a group of Israeli intelligence veterans, is reportedly developing an advanced battlefield operating system designed to integrate artificial intelligence and commercial technologies for military applications. This association has fueled the ethical concerns raised by filmmakers and cinephiles regarding Mubi’s financial partners.
When the initial investment controversy erupted in June, Mubi had addressed concerns via an Instagram post, explaining that the partnership with Sequoia was intended to “accelerate” its mission of delivering diverse films globally. The company had also reassured its community of its dedication to remaining an “independent founder-led company,” aiming to mitigate public backlash.
‘Vice Is Broke’ was acquired by Mubi in February through a multi-territory deal covering major markets like North America and Europe. The documentary itself delves into the complex trajectory of Vice Media, charting its rise to prominence and eventual bankruptcy filing in June 2023, making its potential shelving a significant loss for those interested in media industry narratives.
