Sony apologises for food allergy attack in Peter Rabbit film
Sony Pictures has apologised for a scene in the new Peter Rabbit movie in which a character is attacked with food he has an allergy to.
The scene has caused controversy with allergy support groups calling for a boycott of the film.
The controversial scene shows blackberries thrown at a character who is allergic to them. A berry lands in the character’s mouth leading to an anaphylaxis attack.
Australian based group, Global Anaphylaxis Awareness and Inclusivity (Globalaai) said the scene mocks the seriousness of allergies.
“To spread a message that condones such victimising and dangerous behaviour amongst children is grossly offensive to worldwide viewers especially those who live with severe allergic disease,” Globalaai wrote in association to a petition asking for an apology from Sony.
The petition received over 12, 000 signatures.
With numerous complaints made on social media about the movie scene, Sony Pictures has now issued an apology saying it acknowledges food allergies are a serious issue.
“Our film should not have made light of Peter Rabbit’s arch nemesis, Mr McGregor, 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 apologises.”
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