Emancipation producer Joey McFarland issues apology for carrying enslaved man's photo to film premiere

The producer of Will Smith-starrer Emancipation, Joey McFarland, has issued a statement of apology after he was criticised for carrying the photograph of an enslaved man, to the film's premiere in Los Angeles.

Emancipation is directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, with Smith backing the production. The film tells the story of Peter, a man who escapes slavery. The film is inspired from the 1863 photos of Whipped Peter taken during a Union Army medical examination that was published in Harper's Weekly, the photos show gruesome conditions left by slavery on its victims.

Joey garnered criticism after he carried the 1863 photo of Peter, whose real name is Gordon. The photograph revealed the scars on Gordon's back.

"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 not only brought about change in 1863 but still resonates and promotes change today," Joey wrote in his statement.

Joey said that after uncovering Peter's origin story, and with the help of historians, he had spent years working with the film team, to bring his story to the audience, who then will have a chance to appreciate his "heroism".

“These photographs, which existed before me, will be around 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 accessible, to honor their significance. And most importantly, that the individuals depicted in the photographs are remembered and their stories are told with the greatest dignity and respect,” Joey concluded.

Emancipation is based on Gordon's escape from the slavery he was subjected to. The film is currently running in selected theatres and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ from Friday.