Kate Hudson Speaks Out After Being Called a “Monster” by Son of Song Sung Blue Musician
Kate Hudson has addressed criticism surrounding her new film Song Sung Blue, responding after the real-life son of one of the musicians portrayed in the movie publicly denounced the project.
The film, directed by Craig Brewer, tells 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 portrays 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 involvement 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 with restraint and respect for those involved.
