In politics, “astroturfing” is when people are hired to attend a rally or event in order to lend the appearance of grassroots support.
DailyMail UK is reporting that at least one of the supporters at Donald Trump’s presidential campaign launch was an actor paid to show his support.
According to claims from anti-Trump activist Angelo Carusone points to an Instagram post by actor Domenico Del Giacco, showing him posing in the lobby with the tag ‘Trump Mania’.
Sources close to Del Giacco confirmed to DailyMail.com that he was paid to attend.
The woman next to Del Giacco in the photograph was also named on social media as Courtney Klotz, who promotes herself as a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild.
The public post was deleted Wednesday after Instagram comments began asking whether the event had used paid actors.
The company which organized the actors was also named by Carusone as Extra Mile NYC, a company which specializes in providing background bodies for TV and film.
An email obtained by The Hollywood Reporter Wednesday, which was sent last week by the New York-based Extra Mile Casting agency to background actors on its mailing list, offered them $50 a pop to attend Trump’s launch event.
‘We are looking to cast people for the event to wear t-shirts and carry signs and help cheer him in support of his announcement,’ read the message dated June 12.
When DailyMail.com called to ask about the claims, the company declined to comment.
When asked whether the Trump campaign was involved in hiring extras, spokesman Corey Lewandowski said the crowds were there of their own accord.
He said: ‘No. Mr Trump draws record crowds at almost every venue where he is a featured speaker.
‘The crowds are larger – often record-setting – enthusiastic, with constant standing ovations. Mr Trump’s message is Make America Great Again.’
The multi-billionaire – who boasted ‘I’m really rich’ during his speech – allegedly put a tiny portion of his vast wealth to use making sure the atrium of his Trump Tower launch venue was at capacity.
For real? Del Giacco is pictured, left, with other apparent Trump supporters – prompting questions about whether more attendees were paid.
The Grasshopper 