Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) has sent a letter to Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton offering to screen The Interview at the Capitol.
The letter, sent Monday, is a move to "stand in solidarity" with the company, which he believes is facing unjust censorship. He is also concerned with the fact he doesn't think many people in Congress have seen the movie, even though they're talking about it, and he thinks they should see it.
The Interview is a comedy with Seth Rogen and James Franco that depicts the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The movie studio cancelled the release when hackers threatened terrorist acts, and the FBI believes the hackers are employed by the North Korean government.
President Obama seems to agree with Sherman's logic. "We cannot have a society in which some dictator some place can start imposing censorship here in the United States," he said in his year-end news conference on Friday. Obama called canceling the premiere a "mistake" at the time.
Below is Sherman's full letter:
"Dear Mr. Lynton
I am extending an offer to screen The Interview in the U.S. Capitol facilities.
As Chairman of the Entertainment Industries Caucus, I believe we should stand in solidarity with Sony Pictures and the American film industry. Threats from a dictator in North Korea should not stop Americans from seeing any movie. We have a responsibility to stand up against these attempts at intimidation.
This is also about educating Members of Congress. Everyone is talking about The Interview. I think it's important for Congress to know, and see, what we are talking about.
Screening The Interview will demonstrate the U.S. Congress's support of the freedom of speech. This is about our right to live without fear, and knowing that our values will not be compromised by the idle threats of a despotic regime. Good or bad, Americans should not be deprived of the opportunity to see this movie.
It is now the responsibility of the U.S. government to allocate the necessary resources to ensure moviegoers' safety. We must help Sony Pictures, movie theater owners, and moviegoers regain the confidence to go see The Interview.
If you have any questions please contact Lauren Wolman...
Sincerely,
Brad Sherman
Member of Congress"