Chris Dodd's Comments Spark MPAA and White House Bribery Investigation
A petition has been started to investigate Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) CEO Chris Dodd for White House bribery, following his comments in response to the failed signing of the SOPA and PIPA bills.
During a Fox News interview, ex-senator, Chris Dodd blasted politicians who chose not to sign the proposed anti-piracy bill, which sparked heavy protest.
Dodd, the current CEO of the MPAA, suggested that people in the White House depended on contributions from Hollywood in return for signing the bill. In the interview, he threatened to stop funding politicians who don't support legislation designed to protect Hollywood.
"Those who count on quote 'Hollywood' for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who's going to stand up for them when their job is at stake," Dodd told Fox News. "Don't ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don't pay attention to me when my job is at stake."
The potentially damning outburst got the attention of "We the People," the White House's opinion-seeking site that is now calling for an investigation of the MPAA on bribery charges, according to The Register.
"We the People" is a New York-based educational and research group founded by Robert L. Schulz, according to Reuters.
The petition already has 19,000 signatures and once it obtains 25,000 signatures, the White House will be forced to issue a statement. They feel that the threat to stop the cash-flow to politicians who stand against the bill suggests bribery.
"This is an open admission of bribery and a threat designed to provoke a specific policy goal," the petition reads. "This is a brazen flouting of the 'above the law' status people of Dodd's position and wealth enjoy."
The petition goes on to demand justice, an investigation and indictment of government officials and lawmakers involved, according to Torrentfreak.com.
