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Report: Actors were paid to support Entergy's power plant at City Council meetings

One of the anonymous actors who spoke with The Lens said he recognized 10-to-15 other people who worked in the local film industry.

NEW ORLEANS -- At least some of the people who came to City Council meetings to support Entergy's new power plant proposal were paid actors, according to a report from The Lens.

According to the report, at least four people who showed up to support the project were paid actors. One of the anonymous actors who spoke with The New Orleans Advocate said he recognized 10-to-15 other people who worked in the local film industry.

MORE: City Council approves new Entergy power plant in N.O. East

According to the report, they were paid $60 to wear the orange shirt reading "Clean Energy. Good Jobs. Reliable Power." and would make $200 for a "speaking role," which required them to deliver a pre-written speech in front of the council.

MORE: Another lawsuit filed against New Orleans City council regarding Entergy power plant

They were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements and were instructed not to speak to the media or tell anyone they were being paid, but three of them spoke with The Lens.

For the full report, click here.

Entergy responded to the report, saying that they did not pay any actors to attend meetings, but instead raised support from "employees, retirees, family members, friends, customers, and representatives of local churches, workers’ unions, businesses and non-profit organizations."

The full statement can be read below:

“Let’s be clear. The New Orleans Power Station was approved by the City Council of New Orleans after one of the most extended periods of public meetings and debate in the recent history of our city. Prior to the final Council vote, more than 22 meetings were held for citizens and ratepayers. All facets of the project were discussed thoroughly in these meetings where citizen concerns were addressed directly.

In preparation for the public meetings and City Council vote, Entergy New Orleans called upon numerous organizations who indicated their support for the Power Station and lauded our company for its investment in our community and a reliable electric grid to benefit our citizens. Supporters included employees, retirees, family members, friends, customers, and representatives of local churches, workers’ unions, businesses and non-profit organizations.

As we have stated previously, Entergy New Orleans did not pay anyone to attend the Council meetings or direct anyone to attend public meetings. Instead, we worked tirelessly to encourage our supporters to take time from their busy workday schedules to testify on behalf of this project. That scores of them did so in multiple settings is a testament to a tremendous level of support.”

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