Jesse Ventura Blasts 'American Sniper,' Calls Chris Kyle 'Liar'

Former Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura has said he refuses to see the new film "American Sniper," calling the Navy SEAL the film is based on a "liar."

Ventura, a former professional wrestler, blasted the box office hit in a recent interview with the Associated Press from his vacation home in Baja, California.

"A hero must be honorable, must have honor. And you can't have honor if you're a liar. There is no honor in lying," Ventura told the media outlet.

The former governor added that he believes the Clint Eastwood-directed film is as authentic as Eastwood's movie "Dirty Harry," suggesting that the film's portrayal of the U.S. entering Iraq as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is inaccurate.

"It's as authentic as 'Dirty Harry,'" Ventura told the AP.

Ventura previously sued Kyle for defamation and won $1.8 million dollars from the Navy SEAL's estate after Kyle wrote that he had punched Ventura in a California bar after the former governor allegedly insulted Navy SEALS.

There has been much buzz around the new "American Sniper" movie starring actor Bradley Cooper, with some arguing the film wrongfully portrays snipers as heroes, while others argue that U.S. military men deserve respect for defending their country.

Country music singers Blake Shelton and Craig Morgan have hailed Kyle, the most decorated American sniper in U.S. history, as a hero, while others, including documentary film maker Michael Moore and comedian Seth Rogen, have decried the film.