‘Sound Of Freedom’ Conspiracy Theorists Accuse AMC Of Sabotaging Screenings By Turning Off Air Conditioning: “Garbage Information,” Responds AMC CEO

Since Sound of Freedom premiered in theaters on July 4, conspiracy theories have spread online claiming AMC theaters are purposely sabotaging showings of the film since it was accused of having ties to the QAnon movement.

AMC CEO Adam Aron shut down the rumors in a tweet shared Wednesday (July 12). “Sadly, conspiracy theorists are so prevalent in America. So much garbage information is spread,” he tweeted. “More than ONE MILLION people have watched Sound of Freedom at AMC Theatres. More than at any other theatre chain on the planet. Yet people falsely claim otherwise. It is so bizarre.”

Angel Studios, which is the studio behind the controversial film, released a statement soon after standing by the theater chain.

“We understand there are rumors—predominantly in social media—that AMC theaters have made it difficult for fans to see SOUND of FREEDOM in local AMC theaters, and we want to make it clear these rumors are not accurate,” said Brandon Purdie, head of Angel Studio’s theatrical distribution. Purdie maintained AMC has been an “outstanding partner.”

Sound of Freedom follows the true story of federal agent Tim Ballard (portrayed by Jim Cavaziel) who goes to Colombia to rescue children from sex trafficking.

The movie has become inextricably tied to the QAnon movement, especially considering both Ballard and Cavaziel have been known for propping up conspiracy theories. Rolling Stone called it a “QAnon-tinged thriller” that Ballard and Cavaziel “primed the public” into accepting as “a documentary rather than delusion by fomenting moral panic for years over this grossly exaggerated ‘epidemic’ of child sex-trafficking.”

A number of posts on social media show movie goers approaching theater staff about the fact that the air conditioning isn’t working, which multiple posts pointed out as evidence of sabotage. Other social media posts accused the theater chain of suppressing attendance and censoring the film.

“Multiple reports of weird things happening in theaters while trying to see the Sound of Freedom movie. Why do people not want this movie to be seen?? What’s going on??” Libs of TikTok, a controversial Twitter account that has right-wing ties, recently tweeted.

Despite the controversy, the movie has already grossed north of $53 million domestically, becoming a surprise box office hit.

And, according to the statement from Angel Studios, AMC has agreed to add additional showings of Sound of Freedom this coming weekend.