Disney has ordered a subsidiary not to distribute a Michael Moore film critical of President Bush's stance on terrorism, a newspaper reports.

But Moore's agent tells The Times that Disney chairman Michael Eisner asked him not to sell the film to Miramax because the company could lose tax breaks it gets in Florida, where the president's brother Jeb Bush is governor. Disney denies that.

Miramax says its deal with Disney only allows the company to block distribution of a film if it is over-budget or gets an NC-17 rating, neither of which appears to apply to Moore's movie. The two companies could go to mediation over the dispute.

Miramax bought the film last May when Mel Gibson's Icon Picture backed out, triggering complaints by conservatives to Disney. Overseas distribution rights have already been sold. The movie has no planned release date, says The Times.

CBS News | Disney Blocks Anti-Bush Film | May 5, 2004 09:36:18