Adam Aron on WilmerHale

Throughout my long career, I have successfully led many prominent companies and am proud of my impeccable reputation. In recent years, AMC’s millions of retail shareholders have played a central role in my life. Your passion for our company is one of my key motivators in doing all I can to help AMC survive so that eventually we can thrive.

 

Because you are so important to me, there is a matter I want to share with you. 

By definition, I live my life in the public eye.  Unfortunately, last year I became the victim of an elaborate criminal extortion by a third party who was unknown to me related to false allegations about my personal life. Rather than give in to blackmail, I personally engaged counsel and other professional advisors and reported the matter to law enforcement. I did so knowing I risked personal embarrassment. But with my access to resources, if I did not stand up against blackmail, who could?

 

A vigorous federal criminal investigation ensued which resulted in the extortionist being arrested, convicted of a felony, and spending nearly a year in jail. At the time of the arrest, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York commended my having reported the matter to the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

This was entirely a personal matter. 

 

I was asked by law enforcement to keep this matter confidential during their investigation and subsequent court case.  Shortly after the extortionist’s July 2023 sentencing, I informed AMC’s Board of Directors which thoroughly reviewed these events with independent outside counsel at WilmerHale. As I said above, this indeed was entirely a personal matter, and the matter is closed.

 

And now, I am reporting this to all of you.

 

I could not end this message without again thanking you for your support — as well as emphasizing my extreme gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and to the FBI for their diligent, skillful, and professional handling of this unfortunate matter.