"Malcolm X" inspired faith, not terror: Spike Lee

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -

Spike Lee believes his film "Malcolm X" may have inspired John Walker Lindh to become a Muslim, but it did not turn him into the "American Taliban."

In receiving an award at the San Francisco Film Festival on Thursday night, Lee briefly reflected on the impact the 1992 film about the slain U.S. black Muslim leader had on Lindh, a former San Francisco Bay Area resident.

"He was inspired to become a Muslim by the film, not to become a terrorist," Lee told Reuters at a black-tie dinner honoring Lee, filmmaker

George Lucas and actor

Robin Williams.

At the same dinner, Lindh's lawyer James Brosnahan confirmed that his client was inspired by a scene in the film showing that all Muslims are equal under the religion.

The lawyer took exception to Lee's description of Lindh as a terrorist, however, saying he never fought against Americans. Lindh, 26, was captured in

Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 attacks prompted a U.S.-led invasion and jailed for 20 years under a plea deal.

Brosnahan, who said he had visited Lindh this week, is leading an effort to win a presidential pardon to reduce his long sentence.

When Lee, who has directed films examining U.S. race relations such as "Do the Right Thing," learned that the attorney was present, he declined an opportunity to meet him.

Reuters/Nielsen