 Distribution of the film was prohibited by an American court order which was a result of a lawsuit brought by the Church of Scientology, although the filmmaker says that the film is not about Scientology.As a result, "The Disinformation Book Of Lists" and "The Times" have characterized "The Profit" as a banned film in the United States.The film was described by its producers as a work of fiction, meant to educate the public about cults and con men.