Forewarned is Forearmed
Anti-Moore bloggers may want to have their libel insurance in place since the film-maker, according to the New York Times, is threatening suit against anyone who defames his new film "Fahrenheit 9/11" or his reputation. Interestingly, Michael Moore seems aware of the higher standard which must be proved as a result of his status as a public figure.
My only question for Moore is whether his threat of litigation in this circumstance is aimed more at chilling speech in opposition to his film or forewarning potential defamers.
Mr. Moore -- will these do: The book jacket of David T. Hardy's and Jason Clark's book, 'Michael Moore Is a Big Fat Stupid White Man,' is intended to debunk Moore's methods as 'Fahrenheit 9/11' hits theaters.
Christopher Hitchens scathing review, Unfairenheit 9/11 -- will it be enough for Moore to sick the dogs on him: "A film that bases itself on a big lie and a big misrepresentation can only sustain itself by a dizzying succession of smaller falsehoods, beefed up by wilder and (if possible) yet more-contradictory claims."
Mr. Moore is readying for a conservative counterattack, saying he has created a political-style "war room" to offer an instant response to any assault on the film's credibility. He has retained Chris Lehane, a Democratic Party strategist known as a master of the black art of "oppo," or opposition research, used to discredit detractors. He also hired outside fact-checkers, led by a former general counsel of The New Yorker and a veteran member of that magazine's legendary fact-checking team, to vet the film. And he is threatening to go one step further, saying he has consulted with lawyers who can bring defamation suits against anyone who maligns the film or damages his reputation.
"We want the word out," says Mr. Moore, who says he should have responded more quickly to allegations of inaccuracy in his Oscar-winning 2002 anti-gun documentary, "Bowling for Columbine." "Any attempts to libel me will be met by force," he said, not an ounce of humor in his familiar voice. "The most important thing we have is truth on our side. If they persist in telling lies, knowingly telling a lie with malice, then I'll take them to court.
My only question for Moore is whether his threat of litigation in this circumstance is aimed more at chilling speech in opposition to his film or forewarning potential defamers.Mr. Moore -- will these do: The book jacket of David T. Hardy's and Jason Clark's book, 'Michael Moore Is a Big Fat Stupid White Man,' is intended to debunk Moore's methods as 'Fahrenheit 9/11' hits theaters.
Christopher Hitchens scathing review, Unfairenheit 9/11 -- will it be enough for Moore to sick the dogs on him: "A film that bases itself on a big lie and a big misrepresentation can only sustain itself by a dizzying succession of smaller falsehoods, beefed up by wilder and (if possible) yet more-contradictory claims."
