STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

Spike Lee Under Fire for Neighborhood-Policing Ads With NYPD

Director draws criticism from cops and activists alike.

Director Spike Lee, who rose to fame directing films critical of police brutality, partnered with the New York Police Department for an advertising campaign tied to their neighborhood-policing initiative, The Wall Street Journal reports. Lee’s ad agency, Spike DDB, reportedly received $219,113 after Lee agreed to the deal in 2015. The campaign was officially launched this year. It is not clear what role Lee’s agency played in the campaign; a spokesman for the New York City Police Foundation only confirmed that it had participated “in the initial stages” of the process. The president of the Black Lives Matter Greater New York disagreed with Lee’s decision, noting that “What [the NYPD] need[s] to do is go to people providing solutions for police misconduct.” The president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association also expressed his disapproval, claiming the NYPD was “further alienating police officers.” But the Do the Right Thing director defended his decision, writing in a statement cited by the Journal that “The NYPD came to me knowing I have been critical of them. I think it’s important for open dialogue to make what has been a tough relationship better.”