Actress Eva Victor has publicly addressed the growing controversy surrounding a contentious scene in the film Sorry to Bother You, issuing a formal apology after criticism from acclaimed director Barry Jenkins.
Victor, who starred in the 2018 surrealist comedy, expressed regret over the portrayal of a sexual assault sequence, acknowledging the distress it caused viewers. The scene, which features her character in a vulnerable position, has been re-examined in light of recent discussions about consent and exploitation in cinema.
Barry Jenkins' Intervention
The debate intensified when Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) voiced his concerns on social media. Jenkins argued that such depictions, even when satirical, risk normalising harmful behaviour without proper context or consequence.
Victor's statement read: "I deeply regret any pain caused by my participation in this scene. At the time, we believed we were pushing boundaries to critique systemic issues, but I now recognise how this could be triggering for survivors."
Industry Reactions
The controversy has reignited conversations about responsibility in filmmaking, with some defending the scene's artistic intent while others condemn its execution. Mental health advocates have praised Victor's apology as a step toward accountability in Hollywood.
This incident follows similar reckonings in the industry, where older works are being reassessed through contemporary ethical lenses. The film's director Boots Riley has yet to comment on the renewed criticism.
