Developer Donald Trump gestures as he announces that he seek the Republican nomination for presidentin the lobby of Trump Tower in New York. Photo: AP

It seems that not all the cheers may have been genuine at Donald Trump's announcement on Tuesday of his intention to run for President.

Members of the crowd may have been paid $50 a pop to lend their support.

The Hollywood Reporter has obtained an email apparently sent from New York casting agency Extra Mile Casting to some of its extras offering the opportunity of paid work ($50 for less than three hours) to flesh out the crowd at the event.

The email, sent on June 12, reads, "We are looking to cast people for the event to wear t-shirts and carry signs and help cheer him in support of his announcement.

"We understand this is not a traditional 'background job,' but we believe acting comes in all forms and this is inclusive of that school of thought."

The email comes in the wake of accusations from anti-Trump campaigner Angelo Carusone that Trump had hired actors when he spotted an Instagram post showing a man he knew as an extra posing at the event.

Carusone posted a screengrab of the now-deleted image, which also featured an actress, in a blog post.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Extra Mile have denied knowledge about the email and would not make further comment. They also report that Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski said that nobody had been paid to attend the event.

"Mr. Trump draws record crowds at almost every venue at which he is a featured speaker," Lewandowski reportedly told The Hollywood Reporter.

"The crowds are large, often record-setting and enthusiastic, often with standing ovations. Mr. Trump's message is, 'Make America great again.'"

It's not the only controversy to emerge in the wake of the announcement. Neil Young released a statement via his management company saying, "Donald Trump was not authorized to use 'Rockin' in the Free World' in his announcement.

“Neil Young, a Canadian citizen, is a supporter of Bernie Sanders for President of the United States of America.”

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Online Editors