The producer of the film "Emancipation", Joey McFarland has apologized after being criticized for showing a photograph of the enslaved man known as "Whipped Peter" at the film's Los Angeles premiere, which was the inspiration for the film.
"I wholeheartedly apologize to those I offended by bringing a photo of Peter to the premiere of Emancipation," McFarland said in a statement posted on Instagram.
"My intention was to honor this remarkable man and remind the general public that his image not only brought about change in 1863, but continues to resonate and promote change today."
The photo depicts a man escaping from slavery with whip marks on his back. The photograph is known as "Whipped Peter" and "The Scourged Back."
Joey McFarland was widely criticized when he revealed that he had the original 1863 photograph of "Whipped Peter," whose real name was Gordon, with him while talking to a Variety reporter at the film's premiere.
"I have the photograph. This is the original photo from 1863. I wanted it to be here tonight. I wanted a piece of Peter to be here tonight," McFarland said during the premiere.
"Unfortunately, so many artifacts and photographs have not been preserved. And I took it upon myself to curate and create a collection for future generations," he added.
[/P][BR][BR]"During the research for Emancipation I discovered photographs of historically important people whose stories also needed to be told. A photograph of Martin Delaney is on loan to the National Portrait Gallery and is currently on display. My plan has always been to donate the photographs to the appropriate institution, in consultation with the community, and I believe there is no better time to begin this process than now."
Representatives from the entertainment industry, including the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite movement, April Raine, and the founder of the Black List, an annual publication that showcases the most popular Hollywood scripts that did not transfer to film or television, Franklin Leonard, expressed anguish and "disgust" at the producer's decision to display the photo.
Franklin Leonard questioned the producer's interest and rationale for collecting items related to enslaved African Americans.
"Why do you own the photograph? Why did you bring it to a movie premiere if the intention is to respectfully preserve it? Did you want a piece of Peter here? Are you collecting slave memorabilia to be donated after your death? What do you do with them? So many questions," Leonard tweeted.
Source: CNA
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