Sony Pictures Entertainment’s not-so-secret weapon against North Korea and bad press? Olivia Pope. Well, sort of.
Following a swelling PR nightmare in light of an extensive attack by anonymous hackers, which prompted Sony to cancel the theatrical release of its film The Interview, the company has hired crisis specialist Judy Smith — the woman whose career inspired Kerry Washington’s character on hit ABC drama Scandal.
TMZ broke the news of Smith’s involvement with Sony, reporting that she has already begun “quietly advising Sony Pictures chief Amy Pascal.” The Hollywood Reporter later confirmed news of the hire.
U.S. President Barack Obama commented on Sony’s decision to pull The Interview during Friday’s year-end press conference, saying the company “made a mistake.”
In a CNN interview, Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton fired back at Obama, saying he stood by his company’s actions.
“We have not caved. We have not given in. We have persevered, and we have not backed down. We have always had every desire to have the American public see this movie,” Lynton said.
Also on Friday, the FBI accused North Korea for perpetrating the massive hack, following rumors of the country’s involvement.
Smith was formerly a deputy press secretary to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, and previously worked with high-profile clients, including Monica Lewinsky and Michael Vick. She also served as senior vice-president of corporate communications at NBC before beginning her own crisis-management firm, Smith and Company.
And as of 2012, Smith serves as technical advisor and co-executive producer on Scandal.
Let’s hope that one day, Kerry Washington can play Smith in the Sony-produced tell-all film about the hacking scandal — that is, if North Korea allows it be released.