Reagan Says He Hopes Sony Will ‘Clean Up’ Hollywood

Former President Ronald Reagan today welcomed Sony Corp.’s purchase of Columbia Pictures, saying the Japanese company could be just what is needed to clean up Hollywood.

“Maybe Hollywood needs some outsiders to bring back decency and good taste to some of the pictures that are being made,” the one-time movie star told Fuji television.

“I’m not too proud of Hollywood these days with the immorality that is shown in pictures, and the vulgarity,” said Reagan, who reportedly is being paid $2 million for his visit.

Sony’s purchase of Columbia has been criticized in the United States because it gives a major Japanese corporation control of one of Hollywood’s biggest movie studios.

Reagan and his wife Nancy are in Tokyo on a nine-day visit as guests of the government and the Fujisankei Communications Group, which owns Fuji television and is paying the former President.