This article contains minor spoilers for Joker.
Only days after its release, Joker has already proved to be one of the most polarising and divisive films of the year.
Having been criticised for its scenes of gun violence and depiction of mental health struggles, cinema-goers have also picked up on another unseemly aspect, in the inclusion of Gary Glitter on the soundtrack.
After one of the film’s most violent scenes, actor Joaquin Phoenix is then shown in what will probably come to be known as its most iconic moment, when Arthur Fleck dances on a set of steps in full Joker attire.
Many have taken issue with the fact that the character dances to Rock And Roll Part 2 by Gary Glitter, who is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence prison after being found guilty of multiple sex offences in 2015, including raping a girl under the age of 13.
Those who watched the film over the weekend were quick to voice their disapproval, which The Sun has reported could earn Glitter “hundreds of thousands of pounds” in royalties…
However, a financial expert has suggested to Yahoo! Movies that it’s unlikely Glitter will receive huge royalties from the film, but could well earn a lump sum as part of a “synchronisation fee”.
HuffPost UK has contacted Warner Bros, the production company behind Joker, for comment.
Joker’s violent content has already proved to be a huge talking point, with many concerned it could inspire real-life incidents.
Joaquin Phoenix rejected this suggestion during an interview with The Telegraph – even walking out when it was brought up, only to return an hour later – while Warner Bros has issued a statement insisting the lead character is not intended to be held up as a “hero”.