Sony hacking: Civil rights group calls for Amy Pascal to be fired over 'racially-charged' leaked email exchange about Barack Obama

Colour of Change has said her behaviour is 'a slap in the face'

Amy Pascal pictured in Los Angeles this month (Getty)

A civil rights group has launched a petition calling for Amy Pascal to be fired immediately, following the leak of a series of incriminating emails between her and film producer Scott Rudin.

Colour of Change has called for the Sony co-chairperson to be "relieved of her duties" following the emergence of an email exchange with Rudin which allegedly included "insensitive" jokes about President Barack Obama, suggesting that he would prefer movies featuring African-Americans themes or actors.

In a letter intended for Sony, the group describes the emails as "racially-charged" and "completely unacceptable".

"Her comments - which included speculation about President Obama's taste in films ("Django," "12 years," "Or The Butler. Or Think Like A Man?," "Ride Along. I bet he likes Kevin Hart") as well as the assertion that TV deals are "the new black baby" in Hollywood - seem to confirm a manipulative, exploitative relationship corporations like Sony have with black folks,” the letter states.

"With so many incredible black entertainers contributing their time and talents to Sony pictures - and black audiences giving millions of their hard-earned money to your films as well - Pascal's behaviour is a truly intolerable slap in the face."

Pascal has since apologised for the remarks. In a statement last week, she acknowledged the existence of the emails but did not confirm any details.

"The content of my emails to Scott were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am," Pascal said.

"Although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologise to everyone who was offended," she said.

Rudin also issued an apology.

US intelligence officials have reportedly concluded that North Korea is behind the leaks, which are believed to have been a response to the Hollywood studio’s comedy film The Interview, which depicts the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

Sony has subsequently cancelled the Christmas Day release of The Interview.