Alderman Pans Reported Title Of Spike Lee Film, 'Chiraq'

(CBS) -- Even before noted film director Spike Lee has confirmed the cast or much of anything else about a planned Chicago-based movie, there's a controversy over the name.

WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports.

South Side Ald. Anthony Beale tells reporters says Lee should change the reported name of his upcoming project, "Chiraq," a combination of Chicago and war-torn Iraq, because it evokes images of rampant violence.

"That's an insult to the city of Chicago," Beale said Friday, following published reports about the Chicago-based film project and its all-star cast, which may include Kanye West, Common and Jeremy Piven.

"I don't care what he changes (the name) to, but not that one," the 9^th Ward alderman said.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, making an appearance alongside Beale on an unrelated topic, wouldn't go that far.

"I want to give Mr. Lee the opportunity to explain the nature of this movie," he said. "I don't know much more about it, other than the title. It is worrisome."

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• Craig Dellimore