By Brian Carnell

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

At a recent press conference, Michael Moore encouraged people to download pirated copies of "Fahrenheit 9/11" from the Internet, so long as the downloads were noncommercial. The UK's Sunday Herald quoted Moore as saying,

I don't agree with the copyright laws and I don't have a problem with people downloading the movie and sharing it with people as long as they're not trying to make a profit off my labour. I would oppose that.

I do well enough already and I made this film because I want the world, to change. The more people who see it the better, so I'm happy this is happening.

So a website, MooreWatch.com, that is critical of Moore took him up on his offer, and posted a link to a BitTorrent version of the film.

Upon being contacted by the Hollywood Reporter about the MooreWatch.Com site, however, "Fahrenheit 9/11" distributor Lions Gate said it would pursue legal action against anyone pirating the film (emphasis added),

I think it's deplorable what enemies of 'Fahrenheit 9/11' are doing. We are currently looking into our legal options. We are not going to tolerate anybody trying to infringe on (this film's release).

One has to wonder if Lions Gate considers Moore himself one of those enemies and if they will pursue legal action against him for encouraging pirates.

Source:

Steal This Movie. MooreWatch.Com, June 27, 2004.

'Fahrenheit' Web leaks add fuel to controversy. Hollywood Reporter, July 2, 2004.

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