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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Columnist Fired (or Not) Over Review of Pirated Wolverine

FoxNews.com's Friedman to argue for job today

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(Newser) – The fate of longtime Fox News columnist Roger Friedman is unclear, but one thing is certain: It probably wasn’t a great idea to review a pirated copy of a sister company’s movie. Fox News-parent News Corp. said Friedman was canned after posting Thursday’s positive review of the leaked X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but the Hollywood Reporter notes that Friedman said yesterday, “Reports of my death have been extremely exaggerated.”

Friedman—whose review also delightedly described the ease of illegally downloading films—will have a chance to argue for his job today, according to a Fox News source. Adding to the confusing chatter is yesterday's Fox News statement, which said “this is an internal matter that we’re not prepared to discuss at this time.” 20th Century Fox, the studio releasing Wolverine, called Friedman’s behavior “reprehensible.”

Actress Lorraine Bracco talks to Roger Friedman at the HBO post Emmy party following the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.
Actress Lorraine Bracco talks to Roger Friedman at the HBO post Emmy party following the 56th annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine.
Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine.
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X-Men Origins: Wolverine is an upcoming superhero film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Wolverine that will be released in most countries by May 1, 2009. The film is directed by Gavin Hood and stars Hugh Jackman as the title character. It is a prequel to the X-Men film trilogy, focusing on the mutant Wolverine and his time with Team X, before Wolverine's skeleton was bonded with the indestructible metal adamantium. The film was mostly shot in Australia and New Zealand. Premise ...   (TheAsyler)

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I doubt anyone else has seen this film. But everyone can relax. I am, in fact, amazed about how great Wolverine turned out. It exceeds expectations at every turn. - From Roger Friedman's review, which has since been removed

This behavior is reprehensible and we condemn this act categorically, whether the review is good or bad. - Statement from 20th Century Fox

News Corp. [has] 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. - Statement from News Corp.

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