Advertisement

New York premiere of Sony's 'The Interview' cancelled

US security agencies are investigating a threat against cinemas planning to show a controversial ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

07.55 17 Dec 2014


Share this article


New York premiere of Sony&...

New York premiere of Sony's 'The Interview' cancelled

Newstalk
Newstalk

07.55 17 Dec 2014


Share this article


US security agencies are investigating a threat against cinemas planning to show a controversial comedy about the assassination of North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un.

A group of hackers who attacked Sony Pictures, which produced The Interview, vowed that those who went to see it would face a "bitter fate".

It also encouraged those who lived near cinemas showing the film to leave their homes.

Advertisement

An official at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said: "At this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theatres within the United States."

But police in New York said they planned to increase security at the premiere in Manhattan

John Miller, the NYPD's top counterterrorism official, said: "Having read through the threat material myself, it's actually not crystal clear whether it's a cyber response that they are threatening or whether it's a physical attack.

"That's why we're continuing to evaluate the language of it, and also the source of it. I think our primary posture is going to be is going to have a police presence and a response capability that will reassure people who may have heard about this and have concerns."

Los Angeles police also said they took the threats "very seriously" and would be taking extra precautions at cinemas.

The group, which calls itself Guardians of Peace, also published what appear to be more internal emails taken during the cyber attack on the Sony Corp servers.

North Korea has denied it ordered the hack, but described it as a "righteous deed" possibly carried out by supporters.

Officials in Pyongyang have described The Interview as "a terrorist act" and an insult to the "dignity" of North Korea.

Sony was already dealing with the fallout from the disclosure of documents released by the hackers, which publicly exposed internal discussions important to the firm's future.

The authenticity of the more than 100 gigabytes of documents distributed online has not yet been verified, although the company has confirmed at least some have been real.

It has apologised for the loss of sensitive employee data and some comments made by executives.

Starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, the movie is scheduled to begin it its run in US and Canadian cinemas on 25 December.

The pair pulled out of all media appearances after the threat, cancelling a Buzzfeed Q&A and Rogen's planned guest spot on Thursday's Late Night With Seth Meyers.

A Sony spokeswoman had no immediate comment on the threat.

The newest file leaked by the hackers appeared to be emails from Sony studio chief Michael Lynton.

Several rounds of leaks of emails have prompted apologies for disparaging remarks executives made about celebrities.

The leaks have included a James Bond script, high-quality digital copies of films that have yet to be released and private employee data.

Sony is also being sued by two self-described former employees who accuse Sony of failing to properly protect their personal data. They declined comment on the lawsuit.


Share this article


Read more about

Sport

Most Popular