Like is often the case, I doubt he would have held that opinion if the backlash wasn't so immense that holding any other opinion would have caused worse problems.
At least ET was somewhat intended for a young audience. Most of where they're applying the cigarette thing is geared towards movies that were always made with adults in-mind.
And then called it the worst mistake he ever made in film.
Thankfully that edit was only on ONE release of the movie.
Like is often the case, I doubt he would have held that opinion if the backlash wasn't so immense that holding any other opinion would have caused worse problems.
At least ET was somewhat intended for a young audience. Most of where they're applying the cigarette thing is geared towards movies that were always made with adults in-mind.