Controversial 'American Sniper' Screening at U. of Michigan Packs Room, Draws 'Bias Response Team' — but How Does 'Paddington' Do?

A 150-seat multipurpose room was packed at the University of Michigan on Friday for a controversial screening of "American Sniper," the Oscar-winning movie about the life of Navy SEAL sharpshooter Chris Kyle.

Image from "American Sniper" movie. (Image source: Keith Bernstein, Warner Bros. Pictures)

Apart from one female student who exited the room in tears just minutes after the movie started, The College Fix reported that the audience was applauding as the credits rolled.

The screening on the Ann Arbor campus made national headlines this week when it was canceled in the wake of a letter from students who complained "American Sniper" is anti-Muslim; the alternate movie would be "Paddington."

But shortly after head football coach Jim Harbaugh declared that he would show the movie to his team, the university walked back the decision to cancel the screening.

With all the hubbub, the crowds were heavy Friday and there was a police presence outside the student union.

Inside the screening room, the school's “Bias Response Team” gave a talk before the movie was shown in which they requested that students “give respect and expect respect,” the College Fix noted, adding that the team remained in the room during the movie.

Oh, and how did “Paddington” fare?

Seven showed up to the screening to watch the animated bear in action.

—

Follow Dave Urbanski (@DaveVUrbanski) on Twitter