EISNER QUERIES IRK PAT
By TIM ARANGO
June 18, 2006 -- TELEVISION preacher Pat Robertson was a little irked after being challenged by Michael Eisner, the former Disney boss-turned-talk show host, on several topics, including whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.
Robertson, who most recently made headlines by claiming to have leg-pressed 2,000 pounds, had his p.r. handler e-mail CNBC executives last week following a taping for "Conversations With Michael Eisner," according to network sources.
The e-mail, a copy of which was obtained by On The Money, complained: "The interview was not at all what we expected. Mr. Eisner covered the business end of things as promised, but then challenged Dr. Robertson on some extremely controversial political issues including gay rights, Hugo Chavez and whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.
"We were all very disappointed that Mr. Eisner chose to go in this direction."
Eisner and Robertson have clashed in the past, most notably when Robertson attacked Disney for offering health benefits for the partners of gay employees and allowing a "Gay Days" weekend at Disney World.
In addition, Robertson founded The Family Channel, which was first sold to News Corp. and then Disney.
Last year Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Chavez on his long- running TV show "The 700 Club."
Eisner's interview with Robertson is part of the fourth episode of his talk show, and will air Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Eisner also interviews Whoopi Goldberg on the show.
Previous interviews have included Martha Stewart, Billy Crystal and Sony chief Howard Stringer.
By TIM ARANGO
June 18, 2006 -- TELEVISION preacher Pat Robertson was a little irked after being challenged by Michael Eisner, the former Disney boss-turned-talk show host, on several topics, including whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.
Robertson, who most recently made headlines by claiming to have leg-pressed 2,000 pounds, had his p.r. handler e-mail CNBC executives last week following a taping for "Conversations With Michael Eisner," according to network sources.
The e-mail, a copy of which was obtained by On The Money, complained: "The interview was not at all what we expected. Mr. Eisner covered the business end of things as promised, but then challenged Dr. Robertson on some extremely controversial political issues including gay rights, Hugo Chavez and whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.
"We were all very disappointed that Mr. Eisner chose to go in this direction."
Eisner and Robertson have clashed in the past, most notably when Robertson attacked Disney for offering health benefits for the partners of gay employees and allowing a "Gay Days" weekend at Disney World.
In addition, Robertson founded The Family Channel, which was first sold to News Corp. and then Disney.
Last year Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Chavez on his long- running TV show "The 700 Club."
Eisner's interview with Robertson is part of the fourth episode of his talk show, and will air Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. Eisner also interviews Whoopi Goldberg on the show.
Previous interviews have included Martha Stewart, Billy Crystal and Sony chief Howard Stringer.
