‘Hubie Halloween’ Cameo Cost News Anchor Her Job
Adam Sandler’s latest film Hubie Halloween dropped on Netflix on Oct. 7 and it’s already killing it in the viewership department.
After the success of Murder Mystery with Jennifer Aniston, Netflix extended Sandler’s deal for four more movies. His flicks are uber popular on the streamer and tend to attract A-list talent and surprise cameos in the cast lineup. However, a local news anchor just lost her job after appearing in the film.
Alaina Pinto did a guest spot in ‘Hubie Halloween’
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, Hubie Halloween uses its first 15 minutes to introduce Sandler’s character and the town’s quirky holiday spirit.
In those first scenes, a short news broadcast from a fictitious Boston news station comes on the TV screen. Three anchors for “Channel 4’s Wake Up Boston” are dressed as Harley Quinn.
Real-life anchor Alaina Pinto appeared as one of the newscasters—Erin—who donned Harley Quinn makeup and hair. Pinto’s character is seated behind the desk and joshes her colleagues about wearing the same costume, but she didn’t curse or make lewd gestures. It was only for a few seconds and it’s impacted Pinto’s career.
Pinto fired from Boston news station
On Oct. 15, Pinto posted a series of tweets indicating that she was fired from WHDH Channel 7 in Boston for her role in the movie. However, she’s not a disgruntled employee. Pinto acknowledged that she filmed a small cameo last year for Hubie Halloween and inadvertently breached her work contract with WHDH.
Pinto explained that it was an oversight on her part, writing, “In doing so, I mistakenly violated my contract with the station and I understand why management unfortunately chose to terminate me. I am deeply disappointed and saddened, and I hoped this would not be how things evolved.”
She also thanked her colleagues and the viewers for their support. “Reporting the news to you every morning was an honor and a privilege. I promise to stay in touch and keep you updated on the next chapter – the future is bright!” Pinto wrote.
She joined Boston’s Channel 7 team in 2016 and prior to that, worked at a station in Vermont.
Pinto is moving forward
The former morning anchor is pressing on but some fans believe the news station may have overreacted. Pinto also posted the note on her Instagram account and followers expressed they were bummed about the firing.
Many wished her well and others tagged Adam Sandler in the post in the hopes that he may intervene. Emmy-winning radio host Billy Costa urged her to contact someone at Boston’s WCVB for a new opportunity. So far, WHDH has not commented on the matter.
According to Forbes, Hubie Halloween is on track to break one of Netflix’s “Top 10” records in the comedy genre. If it holds on to its number one spot, it will be the longest running streak for a comedy on the streamer.
Depending on how the rest of the month goes for the film, there’s a possibility it can become the top comedy on Netflix for the year.
