By Dan Satherley
Comedian Rhys Darby says he does not support the Government's new anti-piracy laws, despite featuring in an 'educational' video put together by a copyright representative group.
The New Zealand Federation Against Copyright Theft, which is owned by the US-based Motion Picture Association of America, will be distributing a DVD to New Zealand schools in August focusing on the damage they say internet piracy has done to the creative industries.
Its release precedes the introduction of amendments to the Copyright Act which could see internet users cut off or fined $15,000 if they are accused of downloading content illegally – not necessarily convicted.
Darby appears in the video alongside six other "industry professionals", but his is by far the biggest name, leading to an online backlash against the Flight Of the Conchords star from people opposed to the new laws.
The Dominion Post wrote that Darby was "fronting" the DVD, and NZFACT chief executive Tony Eaton agreed with suggestions that Darby's "anti-authoritarian, subversive image" would help soften criticism that the new copyright laws were moulded by large, foreign-owned corporations.
"I'm not fronting any campaign," Darby tweeted on Monday, saying the media "spun this into something this isn't".
"Don't believe what you read. I haven't done anything wrong."
Last night the quirky comedian released a statement on his website.
"I recently took part in an educational DVD for Kiwi school kids," he wrote. "It’s all about the time and effort and people power that goes into making movies, in an effort to educate kids on the negative side of piracy. I was one of 7 industry professionals that volunteered their time free of charge.
"It’s unfortunate that this short DVD has mistakenly been associated with the Government’s new Section 92A law. A law incidentally that I do not support."
Linking to the statement, he wrote on Twitter: "I shouldn't have to do this but I'm sick of the media spin."
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