News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch Tweets About 'Zero Dark Thirty,' Gun Violence

News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch over Christmas tweeted about the potential reaction of the Arab world to Oscar contender Zero Dark Thirty and called for stricter gun ownership rules in the U.S. to end violence.

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"Just saw Zero Dark Thirty," the media mogul tweeted on Christmas Day about the Kathryn Bigelow film that has caused much debate with its depiction of torture. "Gripping film but could inflame Arab world. Coming debate on torture should include all sides, but won't."

Acting CIA director Michael Morell and others have criticized the movie's portrayal of torture.

"The film takes significant artistic license, while portraying itself as being historically accurate," Morell wrote to CIA personnel on Friday. "What I want you to know is that Zero Dark Thirty is a dramatization, not a realistic portrayal of the facts."

Murdoch on Tuesday also returned to discussing gun violence in the U.S. on Twitter. "NY Xmas ruined by lunatic shooting 4 firemen, killing two," The News Corp. boss said. "Shooter killed before, jailed, later released on medical grounds. Must wake up."

Before Christmas, Murdoch had also commented on the Newton, Connecticut school killings, arguing in favor of stricter gun ownership laws in the U.S. "When will politicians find courage to ban automatic weapons?" he had tweeted then. "As in Oz after similar tragedy," he added in a reference to laws in Australia.

Murdoch added ahead of the holiday season: "Obama handing over gun issue management to Biden. Now Xmas and danger all anger will subside and fade until next horror."

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai