From Inside the Box

'Wolverine' leak costs FOX News reviewer his job

By Andy Grieser

   |  

April 7, 2009 8:53 AM

Wolverine_240 When a workprint of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" leaked to the Web last week, most reviewers refused to not only watch it, but many (most notable Ain't It Cool News) refused to publish reviews from people who had claimed to see it. Unfortunately, FOX News entertainment reporter Roger Friedman was one of those who not only sought out the film -- distributed by FOX News sister company 20th Century Fox -- but wrote a review.

Yep, a professional journalist reviewed a piece of work stolen from his employer, and an incomplete piece of work to boot. (Sources say the print released did not include several million dollars' worth of reshoots to smooth out the plot; it also featured temporary special and sometimes non-existent effects.)

Rumors swirled about Friedman's fate, but today FOX News confirmed he had been fired.

"FOX News representatives and Roger Friedman met today and mutually agreed to part ways immediately," reads the FOX News statement. "FOX News appreciates Mr. Friedman's 10 years of contributions to building FoxNews.com and wishes him success in his future endeavors. Mr. Friedman is grateful to his colleagues for their friendship and support over the past decade."

While we admit to being curious in a fanboy sort of way about "Wolverine," including whether it can redeem the bad "X-Men: The Last Stand," we can't imagine what Friedman as a veteran journalist was thinking when he reviewed stolen and unfinished property. 

What do you think? Did the punishment fit the crime?

For more details about Friedman's history and his role in the "Wolverine" debacle, check out the LA Times: Hero Complex: 'Wolverine' review gets Fox blogger Roger Friedman in hot water


33 Comments

Yep


Absolutely!


They wish him the best, but I'm not really sure where he'll get hired after that.


yea he got what he deserved


I agree, he should have been canned. Wonder how long until The EFF contacts him?


no way. he didn't leak it. they just shouldn't publish his review. this is a small mistake for 10 years of service.


In another story I read, not only did he view and review the movie, he also raved about the internet piracy and how it was easy to find the latest movies and TV shows.


He's lucky that he didn't get arrested for accessory after the fact for the stolen material. He must have been drunk that day or under the influence of something to be that stupid.


He'll probably collect unemployment for the next 60-weeks. Now, that would be quite sinful.


"no way. he didn't leak it. they just shouldn't publish his review. this is a small mistake for 10 years of service."

I agree. They didn't have to run the story! Sounds lke some insider 'drama'.


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