Transformers' Michael Bay defends Blenheim Palace 'Nazi' scenes: Winston Churchill would be smiling

Director Michael Bay has responded to the criticism he received after staging a mock Nazi invasion at Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.

Bay, 51, draped Nazi flags over Blenheim Palace to transform it into an HQ for Hitler for the fifth Transformers film, The Last Knight.

The US director was criticised by many for the move, including the Veteran’s Association UK who said veterans would be “appalled” to see the decoration.

Bay hit back and accused critics of jumping to conclusions before finding out about the storyline and claimed Churchill would be “smiling”.

Speaking to the BBC he said: “I just want to say, people were not fortunate enough to read the script, and they don’t know that Churchill in this movie is a big hero. And Churchill would be smiling about Last Knight.

"People have not been fortunate enough to read the script and they don't know that Churchill in this movie is a big hero.

"Churchill would be smiling. When you see the movie you'll understand."

Bay insisted that he would not intentionally disrespect war veterans.

He continued: “I for one, probably more than any director in the world, have shot more veterans and more active military men and women in my movies. I would do nothing to disrespect veterans”.

The Last Knight is thought to be based on a successful Nazi plot to invade Britain.

It boasts a stellar cast including Mark Wahlberg, Laura Haddock, Josh Duhamel, Stanley Tucci, Anthony Hopkins and John Goodman.

Transformers: The Last Knight is set for UK cinema release on June 23, 2017.

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