File this under Idiot of the Week. FoxNews freelance columnist for Fox 411 on Foxnews.com has reportedly been FIRED for writing about illegally downloading the Wolverine workprint and reviewing it.
In his Fox 411 article (which as since been deleted), Friedman posted:
“I did find the whole top 10 [movies in theaters], plus TV shows, commercials, videos, everything, all streaming away. It took really less than seconds to start playing it all right onto my computer. I could have downloaded all of it but really, who has the time or the room? Later tonight I may finally catch up with Paul Rudd in I Love You, Man. It’s so much easier than going out in the rain!”
Not only did he admit to illegally downloading one movie, he’s admitting to downloading more! But, he did have a glowing review of Wolverine:
“Right now, my ‘cousins’ at 20th Century Fox are probably having apoplegy…. But everyone can relax. I am, in fact, amazed about how great Wolverine turned out. It exceeds expectations at every turn. I was completely riveted to my desk chair in front of my computer.”
Sorry sir, a glowing review does not get you out of trouble. Twentieth Century Fox was quick to issue a statement:
“We’ve been made aware that Roger Friedman, a freelance columnist who writes Fox 411 on Foxnews.com – an entirely separate company from 20th Century Fox — watched on the internet and reviewed a stolen and unfinished version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This behavior is reprehensible and we condemn this act categorically — whether the review is good or bad.”
So, finally, Fox News also issued a statement, and canned Friedman:
“We, along with 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, have been a consistent leader in the fight against piracy and have zero tolerance for any action that encourages and promotes piracy. When we advised Fox News of the facts they took immediate action, removed the post, and promptly terminated Mr. Friedman.”
There you have it folks. When engaging in illegal activity (whether or not you agree with downloading content as an illegal activity), be careful what you post online! Whether it’s comments on websites or even ballsy (or stupid) actions like Mr. Friedman.
[Source: Cinematical, Collider, Nikki Finke's Deadline Daily]
