Sony cancels The Interview release amid terror threats

Sony Pictures has cancelled the planned release on 25 December of the film The Interview, after major cinema chains decided not to screen it.

The film is about a fictional plot to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Hackers have already carried out a cyber attack on Sony and warned the public to stay away from cinemas screening the film.

Earlier, the New York premiere of The Interview was cancelled. Sony says it understands its partners' decision.

However, in a statement it said it was "deeply saddened at this brazen effort to suppress the distribution of a movie".

"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," it said.

"We respect and understand our partners' decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theatre-goers."

It added: "We stand by our film makers and their right to free expression and are extremely disappointed by this outcome."

Source http://m.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30526406