Nate Parker Rape Trial Controversy Won't Change 'The Birth of a Nation' Release Date
Movie

Fox Searchlight has decided to stick with the plan to release the film this fall amid renewed attention to rape accusation against the actor/filmmaker in 1999.

AceShowbiz - Fox Searchlight has decided to stick with the plan to release Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation" this fall despite his rape trial controversy. According to Entertainment Weekly, the studio has confirmed that the film, which premiered at Sundance in January and scored a $17.5 million sale from the studio, is still set to arrive in U.S. theaters on October 7.

The studio previously said in a statement, "Searchlight is aware of the incident that occurred while Nate Parker was at Penn State. We also know that he was found innocent and cleared of all charges. We stand behind Nate and are proud to help bring this important and powerful story to the screen."

In 1999, the 36-year-old actor and co-writer Jean McGianni Celestin were accused of raping a female student during his sophomore year at Penn State University. The actor-filmmaker was acquitted of all charges in 2001, while his college roommate was found guilty of sexual assault before the conviction was overturned following an appeal.

Recently, the pair addressed the controversy as Parker told Variety, "Seventeen years ago, I experienced a very painful moment in my life. It resulted in it being litigated. I was cleared of it. That's that. Seventeen years later, I'm a filmmaker. I have a family. I have five beautiful daughters. I have a lovely wife. I get it. The reality is, I can't relive 17 years ago. All I can do is be the best man I can be now."

In an email addressed to Deadline, Celestin said, "This was something that I experienced as a college student 17 years ago and was fully exonerated of. I have since moved on and been focusing on my family and writing career."

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