We’re pretty sure that by this point Sony wishes 2014 would just end already. The massive hack by North Korea last month of the studio’s computer network has compromised everything from medical records to internal emails. That was followed by threats from the hacker group known as Guardians Of Peace to cancel the theatrical release of "The Interview" or face consequences comparable to the 9/11 attacks. And so that’s what the studio did, though to be fair, exhibitors across the country forced its hand when thet refused to book the film, likely fearing liability if devastating actions occurred. As of 2:20pm EST, President Barack Obama has weighed in on the matter.
Earlier today, the FBI confirmed that North Korea was behind the attack on Sony, and at his last press conference of the year, the President shared his feelings on the matter.
Indeed, Obama is concerned about the precedent that Sony set, echoing comments made by George Clooney earlier. “We cannot have a society where some dictator someplace can start imposing censorship here in the United States. Because if somebody’s going to intimidate them for releasing a satirical movie, imagine what’s going to happen when there’s a documentary they don’t like," he said. “Even worse, if producers and distributors start engaging in self-censorship becaues they don’t want to offend the sensibilities of somebody who frankly probably needs their sensibilities offended."
We’re sure you’ll have to weigh in, so hit our comments section below. And we’ll be very interested to hear what Sony has to say in response to the press conference.
