Fox News threatens to sue Christian evangelist for criticizing Bill O'Reilly
"We will vigorously defend Stephen Bennett against any lawsuit brought by Fox News or Bill O'Reilly." - AFA CL&P Senior Litigation Counsel
January 3, 2003
In October, we asked you to take action after Fox News' <http://www.afa.net/activism/aa090502.asp> Bill O'Reilly grilled former homosexual Stephen Bennett about his belief that homosexuality is a sin. During the September 3, 2002, nationally televised interview on "The O'Reilly Factor", O'Reilly referred to Bennett as "a religious fanatic."
Stephen Bennett In response to the lop-sided interview, <http://www.sbministries.org> Stephen Bennett Ministries released its own one-hour audio tape program called the "The O'Reilly Shocker," in which Bennett responded to O'Reilly's flogging of people who take the Bible literally as "holy rollers" and "fanatics" who want homosexuals to go to hell.
According to <http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30300> WorldNetDaily.com, Fox claims Bennett's use of clips from the interview is a copyright infringement.
Bennett said he received a letter last Thursday from a New York City law firm representing Fox, charging him with copyright infringement for sale of a product that uses "almost all, if not all" of O'Reilly's four-minute interview with Bennett.
Dori Ann Hanswirth of <http://www.hhlaw.com> Hogan and Hartson warned Bennett that if he does not stop distributing the tape and does not turn over all remaining copies, Fox will file a lawsuit seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief.
"We will vigorously defend Stephen Bennett against any lawsuit brought by Fox News or Bill O'Reilly," said Michael DePrimo, Senior Litigation Counsel for <http://www.afa.net/clp> American Family Association's Center for Law & Policy. "Steve's use of audio clips from his appearance on the O'Reilly Factor is unquestionably lawful. The copyright laws permit fair use and fair comment on matters that are newsworthy or educational. In light of the law, the threat of a lawsuit appears to be nothing more than retaliation against Steve for exposing O'Reilly's unwavering support for the homosexual agenda," he added.
Stephen Crampton, AFA CL&P Chief Counsel noted, "O'Reilly's success is based in large part on his opinionated views and his willingness to allow those on the other side of an issue to present their arguments. On the issue of homosexuality, however, O'Reilly has shown himself unwilling to engage in rational discussion or endure Stephen Bennett's critique. In short, O'Reilly is a hypocrite."
Also read: <http://www.afa.net/homosexual_agenda/principles.asp> Principles which guide AFA's opposition to the homosexual agenda <http://www.afa.net/homosexual_agenda/resources.asp >Additional AFA resources on homosexuality
ACTION NEEDED
AFA encourages you to take the following action:
1. Pray for the AFA Center for Law & Policy as they defend the rights of Christians like Stephen Bennett, who proclaim the truth about homosexuality.
2. Pray for God to give Stephen strength and courage to stand firm in his ministry to help those who are trapped in an unhealthy and dangerous lifestyle.
3. Send your personal comments to Fox News and Bill O'Reilly:
FOX Broadcasting Company CEO K. Rupert Murdoch Sandy Grushow, President 10201 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 Phone: 310-369-1000 Fax: 310-369-1049 Email: <mailto:comments at foxnews.com> comments at foxnews.com
The O'Reilly Factor Mr. Bill O'Reilly Email:<mailto:oreilly at foxnews.com> Oreilly at foxnews.com