Michael Moore pulls out of Berlin Film Festival due to illness

The filmmaker was taken to hospital earlier this month after an intensive promotional tour for his new film.

A spokesperson said Moore had been "greatly looking forward" to attending the German festival.

"He is truly sad not to be able to be here and share this moment with his fans," the statement said.

Moore had also been due to attend the European premiere of his new movie Where To Invade Next on the trip.

After being taken to hospital, he wrote on his Facebook page that "things didn't look good".

A few days later, he said: "Trying to get back to just breathing is enough of a burden."

The political activist blamed his illness on the pressure of promoting his new film whilst also campaigning for Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders.

"Between running all over the place lately promoting my new movie, plus going to Flint to help the people of my hometown, plus jumping in to support Senator Sanders, plus doing a dozen other things - well, I read somewhere you can't burn it at both ends," he wrote.

Where To Invade Next sees Moore travel to several countries in search of legislation which could be adopted by the US.

The documentary film, which is the director's first for six years, opened in the US last weekend, grossing $897,000 (£626,000).

In the new statement, his spokesperson said Moore "would like to extend his continued thanks to his fans for their ongoing support of the project".

"He especially grateful to the German people who figure so prominently in his movie."

Moore's previous films include Capitalism: A Love Story, Bowling For Columbine, and Sicko - a documentary about American health care.