Steven Spielberg withdraws as adviser to Olympics

Los Angeles: Oscar-winning film director Steven Spielberg is withdrawing as an artistic adviser to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing over the Chinese government's policy over Sudan and the conflict in Darfur.

"I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual," Spielberg said in a statement.

"At this point, my time and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies, but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the unspeakable crimes against humanity that continue to be committed in Darfur," he added.