Parker's provocative poster for his upcoming film was transformed by a conservative street artist named Sabo into a rape allegation against the filmmaker.
- Aug 18, 2016
AceShowbiz - Multiple altered posters of "The Birth of a Nation" appeared around West Los Angeles including in Motor Avenue, right outside the Fox lot, on Wednesday morning, August 17. Nate Parker's provocative poster for his upcoming film was transformed by a conservative street artist into a rape allegation against the filmmaker.
The original poster shows Parker's Nat Turner with a noose made from an American flag around his neck. Meanwhile, the Photoshopped version of the poster created by prolific artist Sabo features the same image with the title replaced by Parker's name and followed by the word "Rapist?"
I LOVE THAT I FUCKED NATE PARKER'S DAY UP. - SABO pic.twitter.com/eCcxrQG8p9
— unsavoryagents (@unsavoryagents) August 17, 2016
Sabo is known for creating street art which features a political message. He said he was provoked by the resurfacing reports of the 1999 sexual assault case in which Parker was acquitted but co-writer Jean Celestin was convicted before having his case overturned on appeal.
The artist told The Hollywood Reporter that he was very "offended" when he first saw the unedited, original poster. He said, "What it tells young, influential blacks is that their country is out to hang them, that they don't stand a chance so why try?"
The street artist clarified his intention by saying, "Normally I wouldn't hit on a subject like this, but I hate everything about this poster," He went on to explain, "With the country as divided as it is, I can only imagine how many people are going to lose their lives after this movie comes out. I can only imagine how many white people are going to get beat up just for being white."
