Michael Moore ripped off footage of a soldier's funeral.
The family of U.S. Air Force Maj. Gregory Stone was shocked to learn that video footage of the major's Arlington National Cemetery burial was included by Michael Moore in his movie "Fahrenheit 9/11."...The movie, described by critics as political propaganda during an election year, shows video footage of the funeral and Stone's fiancee, Tammie Eslinger, kissing her hand and touching it to his coffin.The major's Mother's response:
We are furious that Greg was in that casket and cannot defend himself, and my sister, Greg's mother, is just beside herself," Gallagher said. "She is furious. She called him a 'maggot that eats off the dead.'"Note to PETA: The woman is slandering maggots. Please see to this.
The family does not know how Moore obtained the video, and Gallagher said they did not give permission and are considering legal recourse.And I hope they find it. Posted by Mitch at July 15, 2004 07:53 AM | TrackBack
Go get'im!
Posted by: aodhan at July 15, 2004 09:24 AMwouldn't that be delicious!
Posted by: rick at July 15, 2004 10:54 AMI do believe it would be easy for bloggers to raise money to support this family's legal costs.
Posted by: Percy Dovetonsils at July 15, 2004 11:31 AMOne would think that an enterprising lawyer would do this pro bono. The publicity alone for taking Moore down would be priceless.
Posted by: Kris at July 15, 2004 12:33 PMI'm no lawyer, but I'm thinking this suit faces a serious uphill battle.
Where did the footage come from? A news source? Then Moore has Fair Use on his side.
Moore is no less morally repugnant for doing what he did - but I'm having a hard time seeing where this is actionable.
But if it IS, you may be assured I'll post a contributions link on this site.
Posted by: mitch at July 15, 2004 12:37 PMQuestion: what if the video was not "news" footage, but a privately taken video, and Moore portrayed the family in a "false light" by creating the impression they endorsed or supported Moore's point of view?
Posted by: James Ph. at July 15, 2004 03:45 PM