Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai finally speaks out on Sony Pictures 'The Interview' hacking

Sony Corp. CEO Kazuo Hirai finally made his first public comments since Sony Pictures Entertainment was attacked by hackers over the comedy The Interview. Hirai praised the company’s employees and thanked indie theaters in the U.S. for playing the film.

Hirai made sure to address the topic at the very start of his speech before the audience at the International CES 2015 in Las Vegas Monday.

“Both Sony Pictures Entertainment former employees and certainly current employees were unfortunately the victims of one of the most malicious cyber-attacks we have known in recent history,” Hirai said, reports Variety. “I am very proud of all employees and all the partners we’ve worked with as well who stood up against the extortionate effort of these criminals.”

Hirai called freedom of speech and expression “important lifelines” in the entertainment world and noted that The Interview is widely available online and is being screened by indie theaters.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the partners who made this possible, the members of the media who supported our launch, but most importantly the people who have come out to see the movie,” he said.

Hirai also pointed out that Sony has had hits at the box office, including Annie and 22 Jump Street. He also pointed out that Sony Pictures’ Powers will be available soon only on Playstation.

Sony Pictures was hacked in late November by a group called the Guardians of Peace. The U.S. government officially believes that North Korea was behind it and has imposed new sanctions on the communist state.

image of ‘The Interview’ star James Franco courtesy of Dara Kushner/INFphoto.com

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