Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. agreed to pay for up to $8 million after being engaged with a lawsuit against their employees, who allegedly claimed that all their personal information were stolen during the hacking scandal linked to the release of the political satire comedy film, "The Interview" in 2014, NBC News reported.
The movie, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco was a story about the fictional assassination of North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
Following the release, the movie was the subject of criticism by the North Korean government, which reportedly slammed the release and called it an "act of terrorism".
Not too long after the issue was brought up and made headlines, the North Korean hackers apparently attacked Sony servers and deleted a huge data, spilled online personal emails and other information.
Besides getting a hand on the company's supposedly confidential files, the hackers were also able to pirate some Sony movies. They converted these films, including "Fury" and "Annie and Mr. Turner" into downloadable copies and torrents before their official release in cinemas.
The lawsuit settlement between Sony Pictures Entertainment and its present and former employees was presented in documents filed in Los Angeles federal court last Monday, October 19.
As stated in the deal, the company should pay $2.5 million, up to $10,000 per employee for the claimed identity theft and $2 million to $1,000 per person for channelling protection they acquired following the hacking scandal, according to Newsweek.
Adding to the company's growing liabilities, Sony has also agreed to pay for up to $3.49 million to cater some legal fees and charges as stated in the court documents, which all goes for approval by the U.S District Judge, Gary Klausner.
Sony CEO, Kazuo Hirai while attending a technology conference on Tuesday, following the hacking scandal, said that the movie studio has now "come out more resilient, more strong and they have a very good management in place now."
Former co-chairman, Amy Pascal reportedly left her position following the leaked emails, however, has continued to run a production venture, who will be responsible for handling major blockbuster projects.