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

One of the producers of Will Smith‘s new film a couple of runaway slave is apologizing for bringing a photograph of the true 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 actual fact he introduced a wallet-size image to the L.A. premiere of ‘Emancipation’ Wednesday … which he flashed to a reporter on the pink carpet whereas discussing it.

McFarland was requested how he got here to personal the OG picture of “Whipped Peter” from 1863 … after which he really introduced out and confirmed it off. His reply boiled right down to seeing the significance of historical past and eager to curate useful artifacts like this one in order that they will stay and be preserved — and so we will all study a useful lesson from the previous.

On its face, there would not appear to be something mistaken with JMF’s assertion. But, in fact, some took subject along 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’s how a handful of oldsters 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 people that his picture shouldn’t be solely caused change in 1863 however nonetheless resonates and promotes change immediately.”

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 to be able 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 picture.