Judd Apatow says he will not make films in Georgia over strict anti-abortion ‘heartbeat bill’

Director backs boycott against bill which would ban abortions after foetal heartbeat is detected

Judd Apatow is best known for directing 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin' and 'Knocked Up', as well as producing the 'Anchorman' films (PA)

Judd Apatow has said he will no longer make films and television shows in the US state of Georgia if a strict abortion law is enacted there.

Public representatives in the state, which is a popular location for Hollywood productions because of tax incentives, have given approval to one of the strictest abortion bans in America.

The so-called heartbeat abortion bill, known as HB481, would ban abortions after a foetal heartbeat is detected, sometimes as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.

Mr Apatow, who is best known for directing films such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, This Is 40 and Trainwreck, as well as producing Superbad and the Anchorman films, wrote on Twitter: "I guess we won't be shooting movies and TV in Georgia anymore if this moves forward."

Republican governor Brian Kemp has publicly expressed his support for the legislation and is expected to sign the bill into law.

However, the American Civil Liberties Union has said it will go to court over the bill, which they said “would ban safe, legal abortion and criminalise the most intimate decision women and couples make”, if it is passed.

The abortion bill has sparked outrage among many in Hollywood, with stars including Alyssa Milano and George Takei speaking out in opposition.

Uzo Aduba, Christine Applegate, Alec Baldwin, Don Cheadle, Minnie Driver, Mark Hamill, Debra Messing, Mandy Moore, Seann Penn, Amy Schumer, Michael Sheen and Olivia Wilde are among the stars who have all signed a letter shared by Ms Milano saying they will urge TV and film executives to boycott the state if the law is passed.

The Writers Guild of America East and West has also condemned the bill, arguing it “would make Georgia an inhospitable place” for the film and television industry.

Some 455 productions filmed in Georgia last year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Marvel have filmed blockbusters including Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War in Atlanta, while TV shows including Strangers Things and The Walking Dead are also filmed in the state.

Press Association