GEORGE CLOONEY - CLOONEY ATTACKS O'REILLY OVER TELETHON CRITICISM

GEORGE CLOONEY has gone on the offensive with American news man BILL O'REILLY again, for attacking celebrity charity efforts.

Outspoken FOX news anchor O'Reilly lashed out at Clooney, among others, when the movie star helped organised a telethon in the days after the 9/11 tragedy - and now he's on the attack again.

Stating he's merely "holding the powerful accountable," O'Reilly has questioned the celebrities behind this weekend's (15JAN05) tsunami relief telethon in America - and their reasons for taking part.

Clooney, who will be among those giving up their time for the hour-long TV special, has again taken offence to O'Reilly, and has fired off an angry letter to the broadcaster.

In the missive, the OCEAN'S TWELVE star pokes fun at O'Reilly for getting his charities mixed up in his televised protest last week (06JAN05).

Clooney also alleges that O'Reilly has reverted to attacking charitable stars to boost ratings for his daily show THE O'REILLY FACTOR.

The actor writes, "Your report last Thursday was a pre-emptive strike... not to protect the families affected by the tsunami, but to create more controversy."

Clooney ends the letter by urging O'Reilly to join the relief effort, and stop criticising it, adding, "This is your chance to put your considerable money where your considerable mouth is... Show up... Help raise money."