LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - The Olympic Games is supposed to promote peace among the countries of the world, which is why Steven Spielberg is backing away from his involvement with them this year.
The Oscar-winning director said that he won't serve as one of the artistic advisers to the Beijing Olympics as planned because China has yet to use its influence on the Sudanese government to end the crisis in Darfur.
"I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue with business as usual," said Spielberg in a statement. "At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur.
"Sudan's government bears the bulk of the responsibility for these ongoing crimes, but the international community, and particularly China, should be doing more to end the continuing suffering there," Spielberg continued. "China's economic, military and diplomatic ties to the government of Sudan continue to provide it with the opportunity and obligation to press for change."
Spielberg had been slated to team up with director Zhang Yimou ("House of Flying Daggers," "Hero") to direct the Games' opening and closing ceremonies. Among the other arts and culture consultants announced are "Brokeback Mountain" director Ang Lee and composer Wu Zuquiang.
The Beijing Olympics will run Aug. 8-24.
