Daniel Craig offered financial support for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders – but it appears he may have been “dubbed.”
According to Variety, the Spectre star donated almost $47,000 in July to Americans Socially United, which previously went by the names “Ready for Bernie Sanders 2016” and “Bet on Bernie 2016,” but concerns have been raised about the super PAC’s legitimacy.
The Center for Public Integrity has revealed doubts about their integrity and that of its founder Cary Lee Peterson.
Daniel Craig donated to a Bernie Sanders Super PAC, but is it a scam? http://t.co/oq8io9vLPs pic.twitter.com/2rARhS0Jvh
— Variety (@Variety) September 10, 2015
The report calls out Cary Lee Peterson on issues, including outstanding warrants in Arizona and money owed to creditors.
In the meantime, legal counsel for Sanders’ campaign sent Peterson a cease and desist letter asking him to drop the earlier names, make clear that he was not speaking for Sanders, and make his financial records available.
In a statement to Variety, Daniel Craig explained his donation and future plans.
“I made a donation to this organisation in good faith as I understood it to support Senator Sanders’ candidancy. Currently, I have been informed of no evidence to question that my donation has not been used as intended. Should that situation occur, then clearly, I will review my position.”
Daniel Craig 'duped' into political donation http://t.co/URzAqREzw1 pic.twitter.com/boXRNE3BHA
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 12, 2015
Speaking to the Center for Public Integrity, Peterson insisted he set up the PAC because of he believes “in the cause.”
Peterson said the group has already spent more than $1 million on field organisers, billboards and materials supporting Sanders.
Peterson told Time magazine that getting support from Daniel Craig is “pretty cool,” but Craig seems to have been unaware of the organization’s background.