Tonya Harding 'loved' 'I, Tonya', according to Allison Janney (original) (raw)

I, Tonya has gotten a seal of approval from Tonya Harding herself, according to one of the film’s stars.

The dark comedy, which is based on the disgraced figure skater’s life and stars Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad) in the titular role, details the bizarre scandal when Olympic figure skating hopeful Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed on the knee at a training session in 1994. It made headlines around the world — and all eyes soon turned to Harding, who was accused of plotting the attack with her ex-husband and her bodyguard. Harding was subsequently found guilty of hindering the prosecution a banned for life from figure skating.

“She loved the movie. There were parts she didn’t like but I think mostly she was really excited about it,” Allison Janney, who plays Harding’s mother, LaVona, in the film, said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “I just wanted to giver her a hug, ’cause back when we first heard about this story we were told what to think about her and we were told she was a villain. Actually, it was a lot more complicated than that, the story of what happened to her. And I think people come away with a lot more compassion for her.” DeGeneres happens to be one of them.

“I come away from it looking like she has nothing to do with it,” stated DeGeneres.

“Everyone will have their own opinion,” Janney responded, adding, “I’m glad you think that, it’s sort of what I think too.”

Decide for yourself when I, Tonya hits theaters on Friday. Watch the full clip above.