Breaking News

Spielberg Severs Ties With China Over Darfur Crisis

After writing personal letters and making impassioned pleas to the Chinese government to help stem the worsening crisis in China, director Steven Spielberg has decided to withdraw as the artistic advisor to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Spielberg said of his decision:

“I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual. At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur. Sudan’s government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these ongoing crimes but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more.


Actress Mia Farrow was particularly pleased that Spielberg decided to back out. “I’m delighted by his decision and it’s a desperate time for Darfur so this is a shred of good news in a very bleak week. Through his participation with the games it was clear that he was giving his moral cover to Beijing at a time when they’re underwriting genocide in Darfur. So I hoped that he would discontinue his participation with the games.”

China currently receives two-thirds of its oil from the Sudan. As of 2006, more than 2.5 million people have been displaced and over 200,000 killed in the conflict. To get more involved with the relief efforts in Darfur, visit Dreams For Darfur or DarfurGenocide.org.

For a background on the crisis visit WAR IN DARFUR via Wikipedia

Reference: Ecorazzi, The Latest in Green Gossip