‘Emancipation’ Producer Apologizes Over ‘Whipped Peter’ Pic at Premiere

One of many producers of Will Smith‘s new film a couple of runaway slave is apologizing for bringing a photograph of the actual inspiration for the character to the movie’s premiere.

Joey McFarland issued a mea culpa Sunday — this after there was some obvious outrage over the very fact he introduced a wallet-size image to the L.A. premiere of ‘Emancipation’ Wednesday … which he flashed to a reporter on the purple carpet whereas discussing it.

McFarland was requested how he got here to personal the unique {photograph} of “Whipped Peter” from 1863 … after which he truly introduced out and confirmed it off. His reply boiled all the way down to seeing the significance of historical past and desirous to curate worthwhile artifacts like this one in order that they’ll dwell and be preserved — in order that we are able to all be taught a worthwhile lesson from the previous.

On its face, there would not appear to be something unsuitable with JMF’s assertion. However, after all, some took situation together with his phrasing — like saying he needed a “piece of Peter” to be there that evening — and the optics of a white man proudly owning and parading this pic round like a prop.

That is how a handful of parents interpreted his interview right here anyway … and it appears McFarland caught wind of that noise and felt compelled to clarify himself.

He writes, “I wholeheartedly apologize to everybody I’ve offended by bringing {a photograph} of Peter to the Emancipation premiere. My intent was to honor this exceptional man and to remind most of the people that his picture shouldn’t be solely led to change in 1863 however nonetheless resonates and promotes change right this moment.”

McFarland provides, “After uncovering Peter’s origin story with assist from diligent historians, I spent the previous couple of years working with the Emancipation artistic time with the intention to carry his story to life so worldwide audiences would have a possibility to understand his heroism. I hope my actions don’t distract from the movie’s message.” He says he merely needs to honor the legacy of Peter and others like him, and meant no hurt in displaying off the photograph.