Entertainment

White House Let Hollywood Bigwigs Learn Classified Information So They Could Make Movie About Bin Laden Death

Leaking classified information probably happens more frequently in Washington than it has any right to. The capital is filled with lobbyists, defense contractors and legislative aides, all of whom probably know more information about America’s defense or intelligence infrastructure than is, strictly speaking, secure. Nevertheless, these leaks tend to be kept under the radar, and happen in places far away from the halls of power in order to minimize institutional culpability.

And when that leaked information goes public, as it did when journalist Robert Novak outed CIA agent Valerie Plame? Scandals follow in its wake.

So what on earth was the White House thinking when it invited people in the entertainment industry, whose job it is to publicize information, to not only get leaks, but entire treasure troves of classified information, directly from sources so secret their names are still redacted in documents released to the public?

In this case, probably that a movie about the operation that killed Osama bin Laden would do wonders for President Obama’s poll numbers, seeing as it’s his one undisputed accomplishment since entering office. MSNBC reports:

Judicial Watch has released hundreds of Defense Department and CIA communications that reveal the Obama administration leaked classified information to filmmakers on the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.[...]

According to the documents, the filmmakers were granted access to a Navy SEAL captain who was the “planner, operator and commander of SEAL Team Six,” which killed bin Laden.  In one memo one of the filmmakers says he had a “good meeting with Brennan and McDonough” and says “they were forward leaning, sharing their point of view on command and control.”

John Brennan is the president’s chief counterterrorism adviser, and Denis McDonough is deputy national security adviser.

In putting the filmmakers together with the SEAL Team Six commander on the raid, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Michael Vickers writes in one document, “The only thing I ask is that you not reveal his name in any way … because he shouldn’t be talking out of school.”

The filmmakers include Kathryn Bigelow, Academy Award-winning director of “The Hurt Locker,” and screenwriter Mark Boal.

Obama Administration Allowed Director Kathryn Bigelow and Screenwriter Mark Boal to Obtain Classified Information from CIA and Talk to Undercover Navy SEAL In Order to Make Movie About Bin Laden Raid

Mark Boal and Kathryn Bigelow

Judicial Watch’s website goes into even more excruciating detail about just what information was sent down the pike to these highly uncredentialed civilians:

  • A transcript of a July 14, 2011, meeting between DOD officials, including Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Michael Vickers, Bigelow and Boal indicates that Boal met directly with White House officials on at least two occasions regarding the film: “I took your guidance and spoke to the WH and had a good meeting with Brennan and McDonough and I plan to follow up with them; and they were forward leaning and interested in sharing their point of view; command and control; so that was great, thank you,” Boal said according to the transcript. Vickers asks if the meeting was a follow-up, to which Boal responds, “Yes correct; this was a follow-up.” The documents seemingly reference John O. Brennan, Chief Counterterrorism Advisor to President Obama and Denis McDonough, who serves as President Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor.
  • The July 14, 2011, meeting transcript also reveals that the DOD provided the filmmakers with the identity of a “planner, SEAL Team 6 Operator and Commander.” (The name is blacked out in the document.) In proposing the arrangement, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Michael Vickers said: “The only thing we ask is that you not reveal his name in any way as a consultant because . . . he shouldn’t be talking out of school.” Vickers went on to say during the meeting at the Pentagon: “This at least, this gives him one step removed and he knows what he can and can’t say, but this way at least he can be as open as he can with you and it ought to meet your needs.” Boal later responds, “You delivered.”
  • A July 13, 2011, internal CIA email indicates that Bigelow and Boal were granted access to “the Vault,” which is described the CIA building where some of the tactical planning for the bin Laden raid took place: “I was given your name as the POC in [redacted] who could determine the feasibility of having a potential walk-through of…the Vault in the [redacted] building that was used for some of the tactical planning in the Bin Laden Raid [sic]. In consultation with the Office of Public Affairs and as part of the larger chronicling of the Bin Laden raid, OPA will be hosting some visitors sanctioned by ODCIA this Friday afternoon.” (The name of the sender is blacked out.) “Of course this is doable,” an official responds.
  • DOD Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Douglas Wilson told colleagues in a June 13, 2011, email to limit media access and that he would follow up with the White House: “I think this looks very good as a way forward, and agree particularly that we need to be careful here so we don’t open the media floodgates on this. I’m going to check with WH to update them on status, and will report back.” A day later, he wrote Department of Defense communications staffers, saying: “Ok to set up the second session with Vickers. I am getting additional guidance from WH.”
Now, leave aside the principled issues with allowing Hollywood filmmakers who likely don’t even have security clearances into this kind of situation for a minute, because it gets worse.
You see, the screenwriter involved, Mark Boal, has a problematic history when it comes to disguising his sources. Shortly before his previous film, “The Hurt Locker,” came out, for instance, Boal was sued by one of the soldiers he’d covered as a journalist, who claimed that Boal had basically appropriated his entire military career as the basis for the film’s main character. The soldier – Sergeant Jeffrey Sarver – lost the case and was ordered to pay legal fees to Boal (though he said at the time that he planned to appeal).
Did this register at all with the Obama administration, who (as the excerpts above show) recognized that they were giving highly sensitive information to Bigelow and Boal? And how thoroughly did they screen to find out whether Boal really was innocent of this kind of poor source masking, since a similar incident in the upcoming film could out a Navy SEAL whose identity is classified? The whole episode stinks of a lack of due diligence.
But that’s not the most ironic part. As it turns out, for all the scandal caused by this report, the Obama administration won’t even get a political bump out of it. The Huffington Post reports that Sony decided to push the release of the picture – titled “Zero Dark Thirty” – back to mid December, by which point the election will already be over.
No news yet as to whether Hollywood studios will become the Obama administration’s next target in its attempt to root out greedy profiteering capitalists.

Comments (66)

1 2
  • BurntHills
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:01pm

    where is our AMERICAN Military and a COUP D’ETAT to RESCUE AND SAVE AMERICA from that rabid animal obama. we can even let obama flee to one of his trillion embezzled dollar safe houses in some communist or muslim 3rd world, but get that monster obama the Hell out of AMERICA.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • Sgt_Rock
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:23pm

      A “COUP D’ETAT” is a treasonous act, sir. Our military is not controlled by some tin horn dictator or third world tribal monarch. We have a civilian command authority for a reason. Do I think the dumb a*$#S in the drivers seat need to go…most assuredly, I do. However, we will rid ourselves of them with a ballot, not a bayonet. Be patient…this fool is his own worst enemy.

      Report Post » Sgt_Rock  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 9:52am

      We swore an oath to protect the Constitution. A military takeover is treason. Your statement is, in fact, asking the military to mutiny. The military has been subordinate to the civilian government since the inception of our country. Duty,Honor, Country still means something.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • Lunertic
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:01pm

    Give Obama the lead as “OBAMBO”. Single handily bursting into the compound with Machine Gun Blazing!! Mr. Narcissist would be in his element.

    Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Where are the CIA GUTS? THE FBI? THE SS? This sob and his sob WH are purposefully leaking our information as part of their effort to GUT AMERICA. Don’t those guys in the Secret Service et al realize they are working for the greatest threat AMERICA has ever known?

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • lketchum
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:17pm

      Gawd.

      Our Knights deserve so much better than this. These men are being trashed and treated as trash, and their commander in chief as no clue about what kind of men that are: “The Quiet Professionals”, who was ZERO credit, or public thanks. They are our best people. Our BEST! Leave these noble men in peace, Mr. President – their accomplishments are not yours – they belong to the country these men serve!

      Report Post » lketchum  
  • LovinUSA
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:57pm

    Has anyone asked you yet, what you can do with your phoney transcripts? Your pants are on fire, did you notice yet?

    Report Post » LovinUSA  
  • LovinUSA
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:53pm

    Ho-HUM another brilliant stunt just to rile people up and get them going so there will be more protests and riots and what ever your wee hearts desire, b-o-r-i-n-g……

    Report Post » LovinUSA  
  • Individualism
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:44pm

    either Goverment lied about killing or they did kill their employee.

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • P-51D
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:29pm

    What is the big secret? He died about ten years ago of kidney failure.

    Report Post »  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:11pm

    More treason.

    Report Post »  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:53pm

    Mr Obama ..No matter how much you try to sidestep the issues…This election is about the economy…..You have destroyed our country..Attacked our constitution,created hatred and class warfare, .Wasted our tax dollars.Lied and deceived the American people…To keep taking credit for Osama Bin Laden as your greatest accomplishment makes you look pathetic…The brave Seals deserve more credit than you,a wise leader should know this…

    Report Post »  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:09pm

      I can see it now. Hollywood depicts Obama nailed to a cross only to rise from the dead and save us from ourselves

      Report Post »  
  • I.Gaspar
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:49pm

    In the non Bizarro world, obama, his minions, and his cronies would all be in prison by now.
    If he gets another 4 years, we’ll all be in prison camps being retooled for the good of the people.
    Hugo Bama will be president for life and the word “freedom” will be phased out of the English language.

    Report Post »  
  • doomytram
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:17pm

    This is the number 1 reason that President Oblamer should already be in prison for treason. In other the words the trial should have been about six months ago, and he should be spending his 5 month in a federal penitentiary.

    I’m convinced that my gut instinct is correct that members of Seal Team Six have lost their lives because of the stupid Husein Oblamer Movie. Oblamer should at the very least resign. A tragic disgrace of a rube this pathetic Oblamer is.

    Report Post » doomytram  
  • marybethelizabeth
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:11pm

    A made up story.

    How does one know classified information is classified if it is classified?

    Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • rickc34
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:30pm

      Obama may make a serious mistake here if he gives this kind of information to a liberal to build his ego and what she may do to the seal you do not mess with the seals.s reputation it may back fire badly.

      Report Post »  
    • doomytram
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:40pm

      Beth Beth are you Kidding? What’s a made up story? Are you a blog bot or troll or something?

      The story is that the Obama Administration wanted to get their ridiculous movie out in a rush in time for a re-election push. Obama would give the movie directors anything they wanted to get the film done. He cares not about the troops.

      Report Post » doomytram  
    • LovinUSA
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:55pm

      Good ONE !

      Report Post » LovinUSA  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:56pm

      It is made up because it is not true.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:07pm

    This information being given out is for one purpose only: Propaganda for Obama’s reelection in Nov.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:54pm

      I think Obama should plan his next vacation in Afghanistan..so he can bask in the glory of killing Osama.Bin Laden..

      Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:02pm

    It was a sickeningly awful idea to kill him. Killing is never justice.

    Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:55pm

    This is the way I look at it. There should be a Cold War between the Military and Hollywood.

    If you are, or have been in the Military… you are the crew of the “U.S.S. Pueblo” and the good guys.

    If you are from Hollywood you are the “North Koreans” and the bad guys.

    And what does this mean? “The finger” is all that the bad guys should be getting from the good guys.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 24, 2012 at 7:00pm

      TIME, If you can find it, read The Pueblo Incident.it will open some eyes.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • forthepeople
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:54pm

    November can not come soon enough !

    Report Post » forthepeople  
  • The_Senior_Engineer
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:54pm

    Yeah, duh. Thanks for the big scoop there, Super Journalist. Every thing hollywood puts out is, at best, a fanciful fabrication.

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:50pm

    The fraud in chief would sell his soul er um wait since he‘s an atheist he can’t sell it,but he would do anything to stay in power.Handing out classified information and no charges are brought? I know it’s ludicrous to think this regime would follow the rule of law but this is outrageous.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:56pm

      It’s not who he knows, it’s who he…well you get the picture.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • Sharon Rose
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:49pm

    impeachable offense?

    Report Post »  
    • Zoe
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:25pm

      Stink’n 2008 Trojan Horse! *&%(*%%

      Report Post » Zoe  
  • chips1
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:48pm

    There is so much secret info about Obama and his minions that someone is going to release the info which will expose the whole traitor gang.

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:03pm

      People always complain and say he wasn’t born in Hawaii,I say it‘s irrelevant because his father was a British subject and Barry isn’t a natural born citizen thereby making him ineligible to be president.

      We all know this as fact yet nothings been done about it,we are no longer a nation of laws with what’s happened since the fraud in chief was sworn in.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • TangLaoYa
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:47pm

    Our president is a clinically diagnosable narcissist. (Can I be arrested for saying thar?)
    http://blog.heritage.org/2012/05/16/morning-bell-president-me/

    Report Post » TangLaoYa  
    • RLTW
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:48pm

      No, I think you’re safe. You are correct though about his narcissism, in his case and based on M Scott Peck BHO is evil.

      Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:56pm

      Not yet …If he’s re-elected we all may be…

      Report Post »  
  • toomuchgovt
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:44pm

    I for one have stopped buying tickets to movies that the themes are all anti american. I don’t care how “artist” it is. Eventually one of the actors or many or the producer will spend millions on campaign donations to some socialist that will transform this country. The same goes for donation to Ivy League School or sending any more relatives to them. When are we going to learn to support the people that support our country and our values.

    Report Post » toomuchgovt  
    • subic
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 9:26pm

      If you go to a Commiewood presentation @ na AMC theater, you are supporting the Chicomms! They own it.

      Report Post » subic  
    • TheEDGE
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:07pm

      It’s a bummer. Prometheus looks pretty cool too.

      Report Post » TheEDGE  
  • Joe_2112
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:41pm

    Seeing how I believe NOTHING coming from Hollywood or the White House, it matters not.

    Report Post »  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:41pm

    See, only the most trustworthy and ethical people get to see this Top Secret info……er, only the most rich and big contributors to the regime get to see this info……..OK, anyone can see it, but only if they donate to the DNC. My, how we have gone from auctioning off the Lincoln bedroom, to national secrets. If I come up with a big donation, can I go see Area 51? How much to take a ride in the Flying Saucer.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:39pm

    nothing like spiking the ball,,,and the progressive white slaves in hollywood are slobbering to help….um,,how many movies were made showing the capture of sadam hussien ? Oh yea bush was in then..not the progressive jesus….lol all of a sudden progressives get patriotic..go figure….garbage in garbage out

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • chips1
    Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:38pm

    If you think this is bad, What info is he giving to Al Queda?

    Report Post »  
    • lstoddard004
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:49pm

      And Russia!?

      Report Post »  
    • Zuitsuit
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 7:51pm

      Info or maybe oil rich islands off the coast of Alaska like he is giving to thr Russians

      Report Post »  
    • Furious American
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 8:16pm

      Or Iran…

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:15pm

      All of those organizations and countries are very unhappy, all they got were signed copies of his book, and an I Pod with all of his speeches. Plus a pitch to donate to his campaign, plus a chance to eat dinner with George Clooney. And those guys thought they would get the good secrets. Russia is going to feel like that guy in The Crying Game, when the “Chick” came out with no clothes on.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • burnbabylon
      Posted on May 23, 2012 at 10:42pm

      He did give them a heads up that we got O.B.L. I bet the intel folks loved that.

      Report Post »  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love