So it's supposed to be the FBI's fault....

According to IMDB, Steve Seagal believes that the Feds are to blame for his last twelve films being released straight-to-DVD. Here's the story:

Actor Steven Seagal is seeking an apology from the Federal Bureau Of Investigation, for allegedly harming his career by implicating he hired a private detective to intimidate journalists from writing unflattering stories about him. The 56-year-old has made 12 movies since 2001's Exit Wounds - all have been released directly onto DVD, bypassing cinemas, and Seagal is convinced the leaked release of an October 2002 FBI affidavit linking him to the mob is responsible for his decline in popularity. The affidavit detailed how Seagal hired private eye Anthony Pellicano to threaten reporters, before the investigation focused entirely on Pellicano, who is now in prison awaiting a trial on charges including wire-tapping, But Seagal has never been publicly cleared by the FBI, and the actor wants this done so his reputation is immediately restored, reports the Los Angeles Times. Seagal recently said, "False FBI accusations fuelled thousands of articles saying that I terrorize journalists and associate with the Mafia. These kinds of inflammatory allegations scare studio heads and independent producers - and kill careers." He added, "I was sick of hearing my name associated with a crime the government knew I had nothing to do with. Until it happens to you, you can't imagine what it does to your life."

Man, after reading this, I have to admit that ole Steve could be on to something. I used to think that his acting career had turned sour because he was a terrible actor/aging has-been, who was never that good of a martial artist even in his hey-day. Sure, his ever-sagging box-office numbers might have played some role in his plight, but the FBI must ultimately be responsible somehow. I imagine that Jean Claude Van Damme might follow suit in the months ahead.

Okay, enough sarcasm here. I wish that Seagal would just stick to his music career so that the healing process for America can start to begin. I didn't even know that Seagal was involved with the whole Pellicano scandal. On top of that, if someone had reported that Seagal had paid a man to threaten reporters from writing negative things about him, I would have said something like, 'I guess he didn't pay the guy enough money.'

Seagal should just be grateful that, for a guy who never once tried to hone his craft as an actor, he has been allowed to continue making a living in motion pictures, regardless of whether his films make it to the big screen.