Ebert Denies Withholding Thumbs For Movie Reviews

Published: Aug 26, 2007

Film critic Roger Ebert said he never gave a "thumbs down" to the use of thumbs in reviews for "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper" during contract negotiations.

In a statement released Friday, the TV show's distributor, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said Ebert had "exercised his right to withhold use of the 'thumbs' until a new contract is signed." Ebert is a copyright holder on the signature "thumbs up-thumbs down" judgment that's part of each film review.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning critic responded in a statement Saturday on his Web site, saying he "had made it clear the Thumbs could remain during good-faith negotiations."

Health problems have kept Ebert from appearing on the show for more than a year, with guest hosts filling in.

Two episodes this season have been filmed without the thumbs.

Director Involved In Fatal Car Accident, Police Say

Oscar-nominated director John Singleton was driving a Lexus SUV when it struck and killed a jaywalker who stepped in front of the car, Los Angeles police said Friday.

Singleton, 39, immediately stopped his car and waited for police to arrive after the accident Thursday night, Officer Jason Lee said.

"Mr. Singleton stopped and identified himself as required by law and was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol," Lee said. "He was questioned and released."

The woman was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead Friday morning, Lee said.

Today's Birthdays

Actor Chris Burke is 42. Rock musician Adrian Young (No Doubt) is 38. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 27.

Source: The Associated Press