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 The scene in question portrays rabbit archenemy Mr McGregor, who is
allergic to blackberries, being pelted with the berries by a gang of
bunnies. He ultimately has an allergic reaction that requires the
use of epinephrine.
The animated movie, based on the beloved animal characters created
by British author Beatrix Potter, began its worldwide rollout last
week.
Groups representing allergy sufferers say the scene made light of a
serious and dangerous health problem. The criticism prompted calls
on social media to boycott the film, under the hashtag #boycottpeterrabbit.
"Food allergies are a serious issue," Sony Pictures and the "Peter
Rabbit" filmmakers said in a statement.
"Our film should not have made light of Peter Rabbit's archnemesis,
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 apologize."
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The Kids With Food Allergies Foundation, a division of the Asthma
and Allergy Foundation of America, last week sent a letter to Sony
and the filmmakers raising concerns about the scene.
In a related Facebook post, the group said "making light of this
condition hurts our members because it encourages the public not to
take the risk of allergic reactions seriously, and this cavalier
attitude may make them act in ways that could put an allergic person
in danger."
"Peter Rabbit," starring voice actors James Corden and Domhnall
Gleeson, took $25 million at the North American box office on its
opening weekend.
(Reporting by Nichola Groom, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
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