TWC, Warner Bros fight for `The Butler`, Daniels pens letter

Los Angeles: Amid the ongoing title war for `The Butler` between the Weinstein Company and Warner Bros, director Lee Daniels has written an emotional letter to plead his case.

TWC has threatened to opt for legal route over Motion Picture Association of America`s decision to block them from using The Butler because Warner Bros owns a 100 year-old silent film by the same name.

Film`s director has made an appeal to Warner Bros Entertainment CEO Kevin Tsujihara to end the fight as it will harm the interests of a film that talks about civil rights in America, Deadline reported.

"I am heartbroken as I write this letter to you. I made this film so I could show my kids, my family, and my country some of the injustices and victories African Americans and their families have experienced in the fight for Civil Rights," the `Precious` director wrote to Tsujihara.

"I have great admiration for your studio and the films you make. I believe you would not be disputing the title if you did not feel just in doing so. I am sure there are behind-the-scenes issues of which I am not aware, but I simply want you to know how deeply it is affecting the artists involved and the message we all fought so hard to share," he added.

The director invited Tsujihara to watch his film, hoping that once he watches the film, he will root for it.

Daniels has been supported by his film`s cast and crew with Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding, Jr David Oyelowo and Danny Strong.

The MPAA`s Title Registry Bureau had ruled on Tuesday that TWC could not use the title as it is Warner`s property.

But TWC has made it clear that they can`t do without the title as the historical film is about Cecil Gaines who served eight presidents as the White House`s head butler from 1952 to 1986, and had a unique insight into the political and racial history.

The film is slated to release on August 16.

PTI

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