After days of silence, Sony Pictures Entertainment acknowledged a voluminous, embarrassing leak of internal e-mails and other materials on Sunday, warning numerous media outlets in a strongly worded letter against publishing or using the "stolen" corporate data exposed by unidentified hackers.
The materials, particularly e-mails, provided an extraordinary glimpse inside one of the world's best-known corporations.
The initial stories based on the materials went viral and absorbed days of coverage last week, illuminating the high-powered dealings, petty squabbling and ego that can define Hollywood.
The company threatened legal action against news organizations that failed to heed its request, a strategy some legal scholars say would have a rough time passing muster under the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press.
Though no one has accused any news organization of participating in the theft, the letter appears to be a gambit to stop news outlets from reporting the documents.
Sony's action came just as the hackers, who call themselves the "Guardians of Peace" reportedly threatened another dump of stolen data.
The hackers have demanded the company withdraw an upcoming comedy based on a fictional plot to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Written by renowned litigator David Boies on Sony's behalf, the three-page letter, which was published by Re/Code, told news organizations to refrain from downloading the documents.
It asked for "cooperation in destroying the stolen information." Outlets that reported receiving the letter Sunday included the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, Variety, Gawker, the Los Angeles Times and Re/code. Scores of other news organizations may have also received Sony letter.
