Movie-maker Spike Lee, right, has defended his acclaimed film MalcolmX from charges that it inspired a US terrorist.
Movie-maker Spike Lee, right, has defended his acclaimed film MalcolmX from charges that it inspired a US terrorist.
John Walker Lindh, captured by US forces while fighting for the Taliban during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, is thought to have converted to Islam after watching the 1992 movie.
But while Lee concedes this could be true, he denies that the biopic about the African-American activist lured Lindh to the Taliban.
Receiving an award at the San Francisco Film Festival last week, Lee argued: "He was inspired to become a Muslim by the film, not to become a terrorist."
At the same dinner, Lindh's lawyer, James Brosnahan, confirmed that his client had been impressed by a scene in the film showing all Muslims to be equal. - Wenn
Spike Lee defends 'MalcolmX'
Movie-maker Spike Lee, right, has defended his acclaimed film MalcolmX from charges that it inspired a US terrorist.
Movie-maker Spike Lee, right, has defended his acclaimed film MalcolmX from charges that it inspired a US terrorist.
John Walker Lindh, captured by US forces while fighting for the Taliban during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, is thought to have converted to Islam after watching the 1992 movie.
But while Lee concedes this could be true, he denies that the biopic about the African-American activist lured Lindh to the Taliban.
Receiving an award at the San Francisco Film Festival last week, Lee argued: "He was inspired to become a Muslim by the film, not to become a terrorist."
At the same dinner, Lindh's lawyer, James Brosnahan, confirmed that his client had been impressed by a scene in the film showing all Muslims to be equal. - Wenn