Gabrielle Union, who stars in the new film The Birth of a Nation, says she understands why and even supports those who are choosing to boycott the movie.
After a strong premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and some early Oscar buzz, Birth of a Nation failed to impress at the box office and many believe that is due to the rape allegations surrounding Nate Parker.
Parker wrote, directed and stars in the re-telling of Nat Turner's 1831 slave rebellion, but it's his own past and alleged involvement in the rape of a former college classmate that has many people calling for a boycott of the film. In 1999, Parker and Birth of a Nation co-writer Jean Celestin, were accused of raping a female classmate when they all attended Penn State University. The case went to trial and Parker was acquitted in 2001. Celestin was initially convicted but that conviction was overturned in 2005. Their accuser refused to testify again and took her own life in 2012.
Union, who is part of a rape scene in the movie and a victim of sexual assault herself, wrote an essay last month and said hearing about Parker's rape case sickened her. At the time Union said she had hoped people would still see the movie and that it would raise awareness about sexual violence, but now she understands if people do not want to see it.
The 43-year-old told Essence that she is totally "okay" if people decide not to watch the film.
"I don’t want to put myself above anyone’s pain or triggers," Union said. "Every victim or survivor, I believe you. I support you. I support you if you don’t want to see the film. I absolutely understand and respect that. I can’t sell the film."
Many of Union's female castmates echoed those feelings and said they feel for the family of Parker's late accuser.