With the recent breaches of computer security, Sony has been the center of global attention. The company was recently hacked and had invaluable information stolen. This includes media, correspondence, and general corporate secrets.
The hackers responsible are still at large, and demanded that Sony cancel its showing of "The Interview," a comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco that involves a comic portrayal of North Korea and its leader Kim Jong Un. The hackers, calling themselves the Guardians of Peace, threatened to execute terrorist attacks on theaters if the film was shown.
"We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' [will] be shown, including the premier, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to. The world will be full of fear. Remember the 11th of September 2001," stated the group in a note.
As a result of the threats, Sony has decided to cancel the premier of "The Interview," which was scheduled for December 25. Sony's response was further encouraged by the decision of numerous cinematic chains from pulling the film from their theaters. Companies such as AMC and Regals Cinema declined to show "The Interview" in any of their theaters.
"In light of the decision by the majority of our exhibitors not to show the film The Interview, we have decided not to move forward with the planned December 25 theatrical release. We respect and understand our partners' decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theater-goers," Sony stated.
The cyber-attack on Sony has spurred investigations by several parties. U.S. officials have weighed in on the attack. According to the New York Times, intelligence officials claim that the North Korean government was "centrally involved" in the hack.
Earlier in December, a North Korean official dismissed such accusations, but stated the hacking of Sony was a "righteous deed." Currently, it is uncertain how the U.S. officials came to their conclusion.
