Michael Eisner Grills Pat Robertson on Social Issues

June 19th, 2006 2:26 PM

The New York Post reports that the former head of Disney, Michael Eisner--who now hosts his own CNBC show--grilled television preacher Pat Robertson on social issues during a taping of "Conversations With Michael Eisner" that will air Tuesday night:

Television preacher Pat Robertson was a little irked after being challenged by Michael Eisner, the former Disney boss-turned-talk show host, on several topics, including whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.

Robertson, who most recently made headlines by claiming to have leg-pressed 2,000 pounds, had his p.r. handler e-mail CNBC executives last week following a taping for "Conversations With Michael Eisner," according to network sources.

The e-mail, a copy of which was obtained by On The Money, complained: "The interview was not at all what we expected. Mr. Eisner covered the business end of things as promised, but then challenged Dr. Robertson on some extremely controversial political issues including gay rights, Hugo Chavez and whether or not Jewish people go to heaven.

"We were all very disappointed that Mr. Eisner chose to go in this direction."

Eisner and Robertson have clashed in the past, most notably when Robertson attacked Disney for offering health benefits for the partners of gay employees and allowing a "Gay Days" weekend at Disney World.

In addition, Robertson founded The Family Channel, which was first sold to News Corp. and then Disney.