Michael Moore had given BuzzFeed “an hour” to correct its story on his involvement in getting Palestinian director Emad Burnat through customs on his way to the Academy Awards. Moore isn’t letting BuzzFeed off the hook over its claim that he exaggerated his role in Burnat’s detention, and now he’s posted a statement from Burnat to his website.
Statement of Emad Burnat, Palestinian Co-Director of '5 Broken Cameras,' in Response to Today's Buzzfeed Story: http://t.co/LOYpoW1x3F
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 27, 2013
When I arrived at LAX with my 8 year old child and wife, excited to attend the Academy Awards, the last thing I expected was for them to doubt who I am. I’m a Palestinian and a documentary filmmaker — with a valid visa. What about that made me suspicious? I was so shocked that I didn’t keep track of time but I can tell you this — the “secondary” inspection that people seem to be focusing on was definitely just that — secondary. What the whole experience added up to seemed like forever to me and my family, and I don’t understand why I’m being asked whether it was 23 minutes (it definitely was not) or more. That is the wrong question. And I think Americans should be proud that there are people like Michael Moore and so many others I met in LA who are willing to ask the right question: why was I held in the first place?
BuzzFeed isn’t the sole target of Moore’s ire. The airport has some ‘splainin’ to do too.
Dear LAX: There were scores of foreign Oscar nominees arriving at LAX last week. Please provide the names of the non-Palestinians u detained
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 26, 2013
But mostly it’s about Buzzfeed. They did question Moore’s status as a hero, after all.
The hardest thing about carrying the Dept of Homeland Security's water is that they keep changing the size of the pail you have to carry.
— Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 27, 2013
How do Kirstie Alley’s lemurs fit into this story? We don’t know either.
@MMFlint Michael, one day u must come to my house and visit my lemurs. Take ur mind off the problems of the world a while…:)
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) February 27, 2013
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