..Gary Dretzka
..Noah Forrest
..Leonard Klady
..R.J. Matson
..David Poland
..Douglas Pratt
..Ray Pride
..Michael Wilmington

August 24 , 2007

ROGER EBERT RESPONDS ...

I am discussing with Disney my association with the show that Gene
Siskel and I started more than 30 years ago. In addition to my
personal involvement, we are discussing the continued use of our
THUMBS trademarks, owned by myself and the Siskel family.

Contrary to Disney’s press release, I did not demand the removal of
the THUMBS. They made a first offer on Friday which I considered
offensively low. I responded with a counter-offer. They did not reply
to this, and on Monday ordered the THUMBS removed from the show. This
is not something I expected after an association of over 22 years. I
had made it clear the THUMBS could remain during good-faith
negotiations.

During my absence from the balcony, I have been excited to
participate in the show in ways other than being on the set. I love
the show and I love the THUMBS and I hope we will all be reunited soon.

- Roger Ebert