Samuel L. Jackson’s new movie The Banker is in jeopardy after allegations of molestation by the family of the main character’s son, who produced the movie.
Jackson, 70, stars in a real-life story about Bernard Garrett, a Black businessman who hired a white man as the face of his financial business before the 1964 Civil Rights Act was passed. Garrett Sr. gave loans to Black Americans at a time when few banks would accept loan applications from Black people.
The Banker, which was filmed in Atlanta, also stars Anthony Mackie, Nicholas Hoult, Nia Long, and Jessie Usher. It was written and directed by George Nolfi.
The film was set to premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles, CA on November 21, but the premiere was abruptly canceled by Apple+ after family members of the main character’s son made serious allegations against him.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cynthia and Sheila Garrett accused one of their 8 siblings, half brother Bernard Garrett, Jr., of molesting them when they were young. Garrett Jr. is listed as a producer of the movie.
The sisters, who are about 15 years younger than their half brother, accused Garrett Jr. of sexually abusing them over the course of a few years when they were young.
Cynthia Garrett, formerly an interviewer on MTV and VH1, has since founded Cynthia Garrett Ministries and speaks to women’s groups about the stigma surrounding molestation by family members.
Molestation is a serious problem in the Black community. It often goes unreported to protect the molester, who is typically a male relative.
Another sister, Grace Garett, was upset that Apple+ erased her and her mom from the film.
“Yes it’s true. They omitted my mom and my siblings and I entirely. Stole our mom and our life story and did so with our abuser. It hurts. Deeply,” she said.
Apple, which purchased the rights to The Banker in 2019, declined to comment on the specifics of Cynthia Garrett’s allegations.
In a statement announcing the cancellation of the premiere on Wednesday, the company said:
“We purchased The Banker earlier this year as we were moved by the film’s entertaining and educational story about social change and financial literacy. Last week some concerns surrounding the film were brought to our attention. We, along with the filmmakers, need some time to look into these matters and determine the best next steps.”
THR reports Apple has a lot riding on The Banker, which is set for theatrical release domestically on Dec. 6. The film is getting an awards-season push.
