The director of the Katie Couric-hosted documentary film accused of deceptively abridging an interview with gun-rights activists defended her edits Wednesday.
In the EPIX film Under the Gun, Couric is seen asking members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, “If there are no background checks for gun purchasers, how do you prevent felons or terrorists from purchasing a gun?” Following that query, the interviewees are shown sitting in silence for nine seconds before the documentary moves on. Unedited audio of the full taping obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, however, shows the activists immediately answering the question.
In response to the controversy, director Stephanie Soechtig said in a statement: “There are a wide range of views expressed in the film. My intention was to provide a pause for the viewer to have a moment to consider this important question before presenting the facts on Americans' opinions on background checks. I never intended to make anyone look bad and I apologize if anyone felt that way.”
Couric also defended Soechtig, writing: “I support Stephanie's statement and am very proud of the film.”
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