After Apple has delayed the release of The Banker amid sexual abuse claims leveled against Bernard Garrett Jr., the son of one of the subjects of the drama and a co-producer on the film, the filmmakers behind the movie have released a statement defending the movie.
“We set out to tell a story we were very passionate about, recounting the remarkable lives of Bernard Garrett Sr. and Joe Morris, and their groundbreaking achievements combating racial inequality in the 1950s and ’60s,” reads the statement, which was signed by director and writer George Nolfi, as well as stars and producers Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson. The cast and crew behind the movie, including Nia Long, Nicholas Hoult and below-the-line crewmembers, also signed the statement.
“Though we have no way of knowing what may have transpired between Mr. Garrett’s children in the 1970s, including the allegations of abuse we have recently been made aware of, our hearts go out to anyone who has suffered. The film itself is not based on the recollections of any of Bernard Garrett Sr.’s children, but rather, on recorded interviews with Bernard Garrett Sr. himself, conducted in 1995, supported by congressional transcripts, court rulings and other media articles from the era. We stand by the film and its positive message of empowerment.”
The Banker was set to debut on Apple’s streaming platform, Apple TV+, sometime in January. However, because of the theatrical delay, the streaming debut has also been pushed.
