WASHINGTON: A Pentagon investigation has found ex-CIA director Leon Panetta spilled some secret details to a Hollywood screenwriter behind the film Zero Dark Thirty, a watchdog group says.

The findings of the Pentagon's inspector general are contained in a draft report that has not been publicly released but was obtained by the independent watchdog group, the Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta. Credit:Reuters

The probe throws a potentially embarrassing light on President Barack Obama's administration, suggesting the White House was keen to help filmmakers tell a flattering story even as it aggressively investigated government officials and journalists over possible leaks of sensitive information.

The Pentagon inspector general's report appears to have been completed months ago but the release has been repeatedly delayed, raising concerns the timing has been subject to political considerations, POGO said, quoting an unnamed official inside the inspector general's office.