Peter Rabbit movie: Producers forced to apologise after food allergy scene angers parents
PRODUCERS of the new Peter Rabbit film have been forced to apologise for including a scene about food allergies which enraged parents.
Confidential
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PRODUCERS of the new Peter Rabbit film have been forced to apologise for including a scene about food allergies which enraged parents.
In the scene the character of Mr McGregor is allergic to blackberries. The rabbits fling the fruit at him and he is forced to use an EpiPen.
Sony Pictures and the filmmakers issued a joint statement yesterday stating that “food allergies are a serious issue”.
It went on to say that the film “should not have made light” of a character being allergic to blackberries “even in a cartoonish, slapstick way. (We) sincerely regret not being more aware and sensitive to this issue, and we truly apologise”.
Australian group Global Anaphylaxis Awareness and Inclusivity (Globalaai) earlier in the day created a petition asking Sony Pictures to apologise for the scene.
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“This mocks the seriousness of allergic disease and is heartbreakingly disrespectful to the families of those that have lost loved ones to anaphylaxis,” the petition read.
“To spread a message that condones such victimising and dangerous behaviour among children is grossly offensive to worldwide viewers, especially those who live with severe allergic disease.”
Peter Rabbit was largely filmed in Centennial Park in Sydney and stars Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Sam Neill, and features the voices of James Corden, Margot Robbie and Sia.