| Disney refuses to release Michael Moore's new movie "Fahrenheit 911" because it fears Jeb Bush, Florida governor and brother of George W. Bush, would rescind tax breaks granted to the Disney company in Florida. |
| The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax division from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore that harshly criticizes President Bush, executives at both Disney and Miramax said Tuesday. The film, "Fahrenheit 911," links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Mr. Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor. "Michael Eisner asked me not to sell this movie to [Miramax principal] Harvey Weinstein; that doesn't mean I listened to him," Mr. Emanuel said. "He definitely indicated there were tax incentives he was getting for the Disney corporation and that's why he didn't want me to sell it to Miramax. He didn't want a Disney company involved." Disney executives deny that accusation, though they said their displeasure over the deal was made clear to Miramax and Mr. Emanuel. Source: New York Times "Disney Forbidding Distribution of Film That Criticizes Bush" by Jim Rutenberg - 5/5/04 |
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| Comments | Contributor | Date Submitted |
| I guess Disney's feeling pretty silly now, considering all the money the movie made. And if it wins awards, which it probably will. I have not yet seen it, going on the theory that it would just make me that much madder at the Bushies. | Linda Denton |
9/15/2004 |
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