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Chapter 729 - Chapter 729: Murphy's Sense of Social Responsibility

Since the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church has been marred by countless scandals. As society progressed into a more civilized era, these scandals seemed to diminish. However, beneath the Church's vast influence, many sordid secrets remained hidden. With the media lifting the veil, a wave of public criticism against the Catholic Church surged across the free-spirited United States.

This wave seemed sudden but was backed by powerful, well-prepared forces capable of directly influencing numerous media outlets. The Catholic Church's influence in America couldn't compete with this media power.

Any topic has a shelf life, and in a country like the USA, many people never go to the movies, but very few claim to have no religious beliefs. Religion holds far more significance than movies.

Naturally, the discourse about Hollywood movies being too violent and whether Murphy's films should be blamed for the shooting incident diminished. From the media to the public and even to Washington, attention shifted to the series of scandals erupting within the Catholic Church.

If these scandals had happened in Europe, it might have been different. However, with these events occurring in the USA, involving children, the government's and society's tolerance was minimal. This made it nearly impossible not to attract attention.

Children represent the future of a country and society, which is not just an empty phrase.

Amid the nationwide frenzy discussing the Catholic Church scandals, Murphy held a press conference.

This press conference was held in the lobby of Death Star Tower in Century City and was very brief.

At the start of the press conference, Kara Faith, on behalf of 20th Century Fox, announced, "Fox will continue to collaborate with Stanton Studios to produce a new film directed by Murphy Stanton. This new film will focus on current social hot topics!"

After speaking, she made a gesture, and the white screen behind her lit up with bold letters.

"A group of poor journalists daring to challenge the Church, based on true events, the real story behind 'Spotlight!'"

Seeing the words on the screen, many reporters, while pressing their camera shutters, were puzzled and couldn't figure out what it meant.

"Challenging the Church? A group of poor journalists?"

An older reporter recalled something based on these hints, "Current social hot topics? 'Spotlight'?"

He immediately remembered and whispered, "Could it be the Pulitzer Prize-winning news event from The Boston Globe?"

A young reporter next to him asked in confusion, "Mr. Bjorkman, what are you talking about?"

"Look at the screen." The older reporter pointed to the screen.

The young reporter looked up to see the title disappearing, replaced by a general description.

"The film is based on true events, originating from The Boston Globe's in-depth investigative report."

The reporter named Bjorkman, seeing this, said, "It really is!"

"In 2001, the new editor-in-chief from The Miami Herald arrived at The Boston Globe, immediately wanting to make a big news story. He assigned a topic to the newspaper's investigative team, 'Spotlight': Father John Geoghan of the local Catholic Church was accused of molesting children, and Cardinal Bernard Law, overseeing the Boston Archdiocese, was exposed for knowing about it long ago but covering it up, severely neglecting his duties. As the investigation deepened, they were shocked to find that the number of accused priests grew from one to thirteen to an astonishing seventy. This was no longer an isolated incident but a systemic rot within the Church. They discovered that parents, either powerless to resist or pacified with meager hush money by the Church, found the implicated priests not expelled but reassigned to different parishes under the guise of 'medical leave,' where new crimes were brewing. This cycle repeated endlessly..."

The big screen briefly outlined the background of the new film.

Seeing this, Bjorkman felt a sense of absurdity. "Murphy Stanton and 20th Century Fox did this on purpose, didn't they?"

"Definitely on purpose!" The young reporter beside him looked at Murphy sitting in front of the screen and said, "Choosing this topic at this time, claiming it's not intentional—do you believe it?"

Bjorkman shook his head without hesitation.

The public might not know, but those in the media industry certainly did. The criticism and pressure Murphy Stanton faced were orchestrated by the Catholic Church. Now, with the Church's many scandals exposed in the USA, Murphy Stanton chose this moment to announce his new film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning exposé of the Church's scandals. If this wasn't a retaliation against the Catholic Church, what was?

"The people behind the attacks on Murphy Stanton," the young reporter continued, "will be furious when they see his new film."

Bjorkman laughed, "Murphy Stanton has never been one to take hits lying down. Since the Catholic Church provoked him, they should expect a fierce retaliation! It's possible that the media exposure of the Church's scandals is also connected to Murphy Stanton."

Seeing today's press conference, people from the Catholic Church would likely be infuriated.

"Now it's time for questions," Kara Faith's voice rang out. "If you have questions, you can ask Director Stanton. We have only five minutes!"

At her words, reporters eagerly raised their hands.

Given the current public opinion climate, this press conference was highly newsworthy and would have explosive effects when reported.

Meanwhile, in the office building in the Santa Monica Beach area, Archbishop Marcus Costello received a reminder from his assistant and turned on Fox News, just in time to see Kara Faith announce the Q&A session.

Although he missed the beginning of the press conference, he could see the writing on the big screen behind Murphy Stanton through the live broadcast. The more he read, the wider his eyes grew, and the more alarmed he became.

What was Murphy Stanton trying to do?

Archbishop Marcus Costello naturally knew about the events in Boston. The news had won the highest award in American journalism, the Pulitzer Prize. However, the influence of a regional newspaper was limited, and thanks to the Church's efforts, those events were almost forgotten...

Now, Murphy Stanton wanted to make it into a movie! If this wasn't an attack on the Catholic Church, what was it?

Archbishop Marcus Costello felt an ominous sensation. Despite his dislike for Murphy Stanton, he couldn't deny that Stanton was one of the most influential directors in Hollywood and the world. There were few directors with such influence globally.

How widespread would such a director's film be? How severely would it impact the Catholic Church? What would the Vatican's reaction be?

Feeling restless, Archbishop Marcus Costello stood up from his office chair, his eyes glued to the television screen, his old face tense and pale.

If... if Murphy Stanton's new film indeed spreads widely, it would undoubtedly affect him!

The actions against Murphy Stanton and Hollywood, although endorsed by the Vatican, were initiated and driven by him. If the plan succeeded, he and the Church would benefit. If it backfired, he would undoubtedly be the scapegoat.

Archbishop Marcus Costello knew well that the Church would sacrifice him if necessary.

On the television, a female reporter from The Hollywood Reporter was the first to be called by Kara Faith. She stood up and asked directly, "Murphy, why choose this subject?"

Hearing the question, Archbishop Marcus Costello temporarily set aside his worries, ready to hear Murphy Stanton's answer.

In the Death Star Tower lobby, Murphy sat calmly opposite the reporters, no different from any previous press conference he had attended.

"Recently, many media outlets have criticized Hollywood films, especially my works, for lacking social responsibility," Murphy said earnestly. "This is worth reflecting on. As a director, I mustn't forget social responsibility. So, since then, I decided my new film should address social issues..."

In the Santa Monica office, hearing the phrase "social responsibility," Archbishop Marcus Costello felt a sense of irony. The very reason he used to attack Murphy Stanton was now being used by Stanton against him through the media.

Murphy Stanton's voice continued, "When filming 'Diego Ross,' I thought scandals were isolated incidents within the Catholic Church. But after reading numerous recent media reports, I realized this might be a widespread issue within the Church. Children are whom we strive to protect; they are our future. I am engaged and might have children soon. Who would want their children in such a terrifying environment?"

"Terrifying?" Archbishop Marcus Costello wanted to fly over and shut Murphy Stanton up. "When did the Catholic Church become terrifying?"

"I believe I can do something to remind our society and parents..."

On the television, the person he loathed continued, "to remind them to stay away from evils hidden behind a façade of glory!"

"Damn it!"

Archbishop Marcus Costello slammed his desk, producing a loud bang, and then winced in pain.

The press conference continued, with Murphy answering various questions skillfully, pushing the Catholic Church further into the mire.

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