Sony Pictures Entertainment has warned media outlets they could face legal action if they report the contents of stolen documents that were leaked online following a cyber attack last month.

In a blunt letter written by a top US lawyer, Sony’s film unit asked media organisations including The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and The Hollywood Reporter to destroy “stolen information”, which includes documents, personal data and emails.

“If you do not comply with this request and the Stolen Information is used or disseminated by you in any manner, SPE will have no choice but to hold you responsible for any damage or loss arising from such use or dissemination by you,” the letter warned, according to a copy posted online by The Hollywood Reporter.