Entertainment

Sony Suspends Executives For Fraud

June 3, 2001 / 4:33 PM EDT / AP

Two Sony Pictures executives have been suspended without pay for their role in the publication of movie ads quoting reviews from a film critic who doesn't exist.

"The company is sanctioning the two advertising executives: one for his actions and the other for actions that occurred within the department he supervises," said Jeff Blake, president of distribution for Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, a division of Sony. He did not release their names.

Sony also announced Thursday that it would monitor its publicity and advertising departments more closely as a result of the embarrassing revelations last week that blurbs praising several movies had been fabricated.

In one of the advertisements, for the Rob Schneider farce "The Animal," a critic identified as "David Manning of The Ridgefield Press" is quoted saying, "The producing team of 'Big Daddy' has delivered another winner!"

Manning also declares Heath Ledger of the action-comedy "A Knight's Tale" as "this year's hottest new star!"

Ironically, some of the movies Manning praised had already received numerous positive reviews from real critics.

The Ridgefield Press, a small weekly newspaper in Connecticut, said it was unaware of the fake ads before Newsweek reporter John Horn challenged their authenticity.

In a story in this week's edition, the newspaper reported that "David Manning" is a real person -- just not a real movie critic.

Ridgefield's former First Selectman Sue Manning, who held the town's top office from 1987 to 1997, said her son David's name was used.

"It is David," she told the newspaper, adding that a friend who worked for Sony asked, "Could he use his name?"

The flap triggered a probe by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who said he may fine any company he finds participated in placing misleading ads in the state.

"We give this practice two thumbs down," Blumenthal said earlier this week.