Hollywood Takes on Saudi Arabia, Ignores Its Own Lobbyists
"The New Arab" reports that South Park is taking aim at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in a Thanksgiving episode, presumably for their rumored move to buy Warner Bros. (A company that also airs South Park content.) It's good sport, of course, to lambast foreign influence—especially when that influence is Saudi. But while Hollywood takes brave swipes at Riyadh, one might wonder when
the satirical spotlight will swivel to Washington. For instance, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent $24.5 million in campaign contributions and lobbying in 2022 alone, according to OpenSecrets.org. This cash directly shapes US policy, often resulting in bipartisan support for Israeli actions that draw international condemnation—policy decisions on which Hollywood remains
conspicuously silent. It seems some foreign investment is more palatable than others, particularly when it flows through the halls of Congress rather than movie studios. How many American lobbyists' hands on the scales does it take before it's worthy of prime-time lampooning?