Notorious PlayStation 3 hacker George “Geohot” Hotz has laughed off claims that he’s packed his bags and fled to South America in an effort to evade Sony’s lawyers.
While acknowledging that he is indeed not presently in his native North America, Hotz noted on his blog that his recent excursion to South America was planned months ago as part of a spring vacation.
"Apparently, I have fled the country. ROFL," said Hotz. "Factually, it’s true I’m in South America, on a vacation I’ve had planned and paid for since November. I mean, it is spring break; hacking isn’t my life.”
"Rest assured that not a dime of legal defence money would ever go toward something like this. And of course [Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton – Sony’s choice of legal firm on this matter] loves the idea of painting me as an international fugitive.”
"I have been in contact with my lawyers almost every day," Hotz added. "I would not let the case suffer.
"That said, I also won’t let this ridiculous lawsuit run my life either. Then the fearmongerers win."
Hotz went on to say in jest that he plans on returning to North America as Sony’s Xperia Play is “hard to come by” where he’s currently staying.
Sony lawyers yesterday accused Hotz of refusing to comply with court orders, declaring, “Hotz’s attempts to dodge this Court’s authority raise very serious questions.”