President Obama supports Sony Pictures’ choice to release “The Interview,” the White House said Tuesday, applauding the movie studio as he vacations in Hawaii.
“The president applauds Sony’s decision to authorize screenings of the film,” said White House spokesman Eric Schultz. “As the president made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome.”
Earlier Tuesday, Sony announced it would give the film about an assassination plot against North Korea’s Kim Jong Un a limited release in independent movie theaters. The studio is also expected to make the comedy available on video on demand.
Last week, Obama argued Sony made a “mistake” in scrapping the planned Christmas-Day release of the movie, saying it could lead to future “self-censorship” by other American companies.
Sony decided to release the film despite threats from North Korean-aligned hackers to carry out attacks on theaters showing the movie.
At least one of the actors involved in the film praised Obama for pushing for Sony to release the comedy.
“CELEBRATING!!!!! “The Interview” starring Seth Rogen and James Flacco saved by President Obacco!,” actor James Franco tweeted.
Obama accidentally called the star of the film “James Flacco” in his press conference Friday.
