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

Among the manufacturers of Will Smith‘s brand-new motion picture about a runaway servant is excusing bringing an image of the genuine motivation for the character to the movie’s best.

Joey McFarland provided a mea culpa Sunday — this after there was some evident outrage over the reality he brought a wallet-size image to the L.A. best of ‘Emancipation’ Wednesday … which he flashed to a press reporter on the red carpet while discussing it.

McFarland was asked how he concerned own the OG image of “Whipped Peter” from 1863 … and after that he really highlighted and revealed it off. His response come down to seeing the value of history and wishing to curate important artifacts like this one so that they can live and be maintained — therefore we can all find out an important lesson from the past.

On its face, there does not appear to be anything incorrect with JMF’s declaration. However, naturally, some differed with his phrasing — like stating he desired a “piece of Peter” to be there that night — and the optics of a white male owning and parading this photo around like a prop.

That’s how a handful of folks translated his interview here anyhow … and it appears McFarland captured wind of that noise and felt obliged to describe himself.

He composes, “I wholeheartedly apologize to everyone I have offended by bringing a photograph of Peter to the Emancipation premiere. My intent was to honor this remarkable man and to remind the general public that his image is not only brought about change in 1863 but still resonates and promotes change today.”

McFarland includes, “After uncovering Peter’s origin story with help from diligent historians, I spent the last few years working with the Emancipation creative time in order to bring his story to life so worldwide audiences would have an opportunity to appreciate his heroism. I hope my actions don’t distract from the film’s message.” He states he merely wishes to honor the tradition of Peter and others like him, and indicated no damage in displaying the image.