The official release date was initially October 17, 1999, but was postponed following the Columbine High School massacre in April of that year.[6] The delay was likely due to the film's themes of sex and violence in high school, as suggested by its director.[6] Another theory is that it was held back until after the 2000 U.S. presidential election.[5][8][9] The film was initially due to be released by Miramax but the studio passed it to Lions Gate after O's producers sued for breach of contract.[6][10]
The film was finally released theatrically on August 31, 2001.[4]
