And this is news...how?

This is too easy.

The Independent | Moore accused of publicity stunt over Disney 'ban'
Less than 24 hours after accusing the Walt Disney Company of pulling the plug on his latest documentary in a blatant attempt at political censorship, the rabble-rousing film-maker Michael Moore has admitted he knew a year ago that Disney had no intention of distributing it.

The admission, during an interview with CNN, undermined Moore's claim that Disney was trying to sabotage the US release of Fahrenheit 911 just days before its world premiere at the Cannes film festival.

Instead, it lent credence to a growing suspicion that Moore was manufacturing a controversy to help publicise the film, a full-bore attack on the Bush administration and its handling of national security since the attacks of 11 September 2001.

Of all the people in this world who do not need to manufacture controversy...

Moore told CNN that Disney had "signed a contract to distribute this [film]" but got cold feet. But Disney executives insists there was never any contract. And a source close to Miramax said that the only deal there was for financing, not for distribution.

Read the fine print, Mike.

A front-page news piece in The New York Times was followed yesterday by an editorial denouncing Disney for censorship and denial of Moore's right to free expression.

Sigh. Memo to the New York Times: As much as the Disney company may wish it otherwise, Disney is not the government. Moore's failure to sell his product to Michael Eisner does not constitute "censorship". Even if Eisner did make his decision for political reasons.

Miramax paid to make the film: no "plug" has been pulled. I don't doubt someone will make an offer to distribute it.