1. Hollywood actors reacted angrily Wednesday night to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s decision to shelve The Interview after terrorist threats against audiences going to see the film. US government investigators also tied the cyberattack plaguing the studio for the past month to North Korea. The leaks from the hack are also forcing business executives to rethink what they say in emails out of fear of similar attacks.
Wow. Everyone caved. The hackers won. An utter and complete victory for them. Wow.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 17, 2014
2. A Massachusetts Uber driver was arraigned Wednesday on charges that he kidnapped and raped a woman who hailed a ride home using the service in Boston. After being shut down in New Delhi, India, after a driver there was charged with rape, the service is reassuring customers that it is strengthening its employee-screening process.
3. Former Hillshire Brands communications chief Jon Harris is transitioning out of his role as announcer for The Meredith Vieira Show back to the PR industry. He is consulting for several clients after moving back to Chicago.
4. The San Francisco 49ers released defensive tackle Ray McDonald after law-enforcement authorities said they were investigating him as part of a sexual assault case. NFL owners unanimously approved commissioner Roger Goodell’s new personal conduct policies for players last week.
5. Advertisers including Honda are pulling ads from the VH1 reality show Sorority Sisters after complaints that it portrays traditionally black college sororities in a poor light. Opponents are using the #BoycottSororitySisters hashtag on social media.
The work begins, people. All the sponsors have been posted. If you hate the show & want it gone, let's get to work. #BoycottSororitySisters
— Fortitude1913 (@Fortitude1913) December 16, 2014
6. Wendy’s said it will make a change at the CMO position next year as part of a broader management restructuring. Brandon Solano will replace Craig Bahner in the fast-food chain’s top marketing role next year.
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