Chris Hansen has called the upcoming film Primetime, which stars Robert Pattinson as the American TV host, an “insult”.
The drama is about the presenter’s true-crime NBC Dateline programme, To Catch A Predator, which followed sting operations against men who arranged to meet with minors.
The series, which ran from 2004 to 2007, was cancelled following a sting operation on Texas assistant district attorney Bill Conradt, who shot himself after officers and film crew reportedly entered his home. The episode did not air.
The film is based on journalist Luke Dittrich’s Esquire article, Tonight On Dateline This Man Will Die, which explored the incident.
The film has been described as a “made up work of fiction” by Hansen.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, he said: “Robert Pattinson has said that he hopes the movie adds to my legacy, and I appreciate that.
“But you still have something that is a complete work of fiction attached to a real name. Based upon what I’ve seen in the trailer and my understanding of what has been written about the film, they wanted to create something much darker and way more dramatic.
“I think it’s an insult to the thousands of men and women who work hard every day to protect children from predators.
“They turn something that is very positive, very challenging and not without risk into what is essentially a horror film.”
Directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh, Hansen claimed he was not consulted for the A24 film and criticised the studio for not wanting to “know the truth”.
Hansen said: “They had a notion of the film they wanted to create, and they wanted to benefit from the use of my name.”
The journalist went on to say he had “no issue” with Pattinson, who is also a co-producer on the film, describing him as a “great actor and a nice guy” who has has been “very gracious” in his comments about the presenter
Hansen refused to watch the film, which premiered at Venice Film Festival last week, because he was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He said he will likely watch it when it comes out later this year.
During a press conference at the festival, Pattinson said: “Obviously, I hope he likes the movie.
“I would hope in some ways, like the amount of inspiration that his character has given so many people who are involved in this film for years now, I hope it’s some kind of compliment.”
The film also stars Unbelievable actress Merritt Wever, Focker-In-Law star Skyler Gisondo and singer Phoebe Bridgers.
