Thursday, January 25-- The Catholic League has gone as far as calling for a federal investigation of Sundance film, HOUNDDOG which stars Dakota Fanning (CHARLOTTE'S WEB, HIDE AND SEEK) and Robin Write Penn (WHITE OLEANDER, MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE).

The League believes that it has potential of being child pornography and has requested Laura Bush's assistance in asking the Department of Justice to investigate. In HOUNDDOG, Fanning portrays a 12 year-old girl who is raped by an older boy. Although a rape scene, word on the street is that it isn't graphic. Fanning has begun to fight back and is currently speaking at press conferences defending her choice.

On a side note, The President of the Catholic League, William Donohue, has stated "I'm trying to create a national discussion about the propriety of using children in simulated rape acts." even though he did admit it's unlikely that the film falls within statutes of child pornography.

As of today, The Weinstein Company, IFC Films and First Look were among those who instantly agreed that they had no interest in acquiring HOUNDDOG.

TMP