Sony's fake critic fiasco resolved

Posted Friday, August 5, 2005 at 5:37 PM Central

by John Couture

Sony Pictures reached a $1.5 million settlement for a class action settlement brought upon the movie studio in relation to fake movie critic David Manning, whom the studio created to release favorable quotes on its movies. Manning was supposed to have worked at the Ridgefield Press, a real Connecticut newspaper, but newspaper employees never heard of him.

As part of the suit, the studio did not admit to any wrongdoing. Consumers who bought theatrical tickets to see Hollow Man, Vertical Limit, A Knight's Tale and The Animal will be able to submit a claim for up to $5.00. Sony did not immediately release information as to how to file a claim.