Joey McFarland, producer Liberationhe apologizes for the unfortunate decision he made in screening the film last week.
Back on Nov. 30, the much-anticipated film premiered at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles, and Joey revealed the original 19th-century painting that inspired the project: “They flogged Peter.”
This photo shows the scarred back of a man named Peter, who escaped from slavery back in 1863. “It helped the people of the north to turn from slavery,” according to. Historyand Liberation tells the story of Peter.
Joey McFarland: “I’ve been collecting for a long time”
While chatting on the red carpet, Joey was asked how he “had that image,” which he had of him.
“I have the picture. This is an original picture from 1863, and I want it here tonight. I want a piece of Peter to be here tonight. “
He went on to share that he was involved in “putting together a collection for future generations.”
“I am [sad] saying that many artifacts and images have not been preserved or preserved or respected. And I took it upon myself to curate and create a collection for future generations. I’ve been collecting for a long time, my collection will be given away at the end of my life for educational purposes, and it’s something I just want to give back. “
#Freedom artist Joey McFarland brought the original “whipped” picture from 1863 to the first film: “I wanted a piece of Peter to be here tonight.” https://t.co/PUJ13jCFiD pic.twitter.com/kDJCndFJnM
– Variety (@Variety) December 1, 2022
Twitter Is All Joey’s Smoke
When the aforementioned video went viral, social media users were shocked by the situation.
Many commented on how strange it was for Joey to “have” such a “collection”.
Why do you have that picture? Why did you bring the film in the first place if the goal was to keep it respectful? Want a “piece of Peter” here? Do you collect slave souvenirs that will be given when you die? What are you doing with it at the moment? Many questions.
– Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) December 1, 2022
They seem very deaf. The image of a white slave victim should not be used by a white person as a red carpet. It’s difficult in all the wrong ways.
“My collection” 😐
— Mara (@MGale90) December 2, 2022
This is why I have no doubts about white filmmakers of this type why? pic.twitter.com/A1tqpZPfGm
Kyle is COZY (@kylexjordan) December 1, 2022
Why in the eeee hell would they have that!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/0PRUE2S15X
— Evie224 (@Evie224) December 2, 2022
Some users compared Joey’s vibe to that of Dean Armitage in the Get out.
– Jdayah (@oankalispy) December 1, 2022
The situation was also compared to the “Black Museum” episode. Black Mirror.
It reminds me of the dark glass scene with Letitia Wright where white people can buy mementos of the last moments of black people being killed and keep them as big rings. Dark pain like beautiful pleasure. https://t.co/iUhAx7FE5W
– Lovette🌈 (@lovettejallow) December 3, 2022
Overall, the general consensus was that Joey should have kept his “collection”.
And they took it to the premiere to show it off!!!
I….— Carolyn -😏- Hinds 🇧🇧 (@CarrieCnh12) December 1, 2022
She couldn’t WAIT to take it out of her pocket on the red carpet. This is terrifying and fascinating and no matter how the film does or doesn’t do it, him proudly showing his ownership of the image of a non-conformist slave is always disgusting.
— David (@Dreams_on_Paper) December 2, 2022
I am so sick of being treated as if having a Black past is something noble or honorable. Pure evil! 😡😡😡
– SweetBtchesBrewFilm (@SBBFilm) December 2, 2022
McFarland Apologizes For “Whipping Peter” Controversy
After much backlash, Joey apologized via Instagram on Sunday.
He began by expressing his grief and explaining his true intentions. Joey added that he hopes the controversy “doesn’t detract from the message of the film.”
“I sincerely apologize to anyone I have offended by bringing up Peter’s photo Liberation the first game. My goal was to honor this amazing man and remind everyone that his image not only brought about change in 1863 but continues to inspire change today… he had a profound impact on the world. “
McFarland went on to say that the image was “hers[s] to the world,” and he always planned to “find a suitable permanent residence” for his contributions.
“These pictures, which were before me, will be long after I am gone; they belong to the world. My goal has always been to find the right permanent home and make sure they are available, respecting their importance. And the most important thing is that the people who are depicted in these pictures are remembered and their stories are told with respect and dignity.”
We should add that Joey was sure to block comments on the post.
What do you think about the events related to the picture “Peter the Scourge”, and are you planning to watch it Liberation?
