Apple's 'The Banker' cast and crew defend film after co-producer accused of sexual abuse

53 members of cast and crew, including stars Samuel L Jackson and Anthony Mackie, stand by the film in a statement issued on Monday

From left, Nicholas Hoult, Samuel L Jackson and Anthony Mackie in a scene from 'The Banker'. Apple TV+

The cast and crew of Apple's first major movie, The Banker, are standing behind the film after sexual abuse allegations were made against one of its producers, who is also the son of the movie's real-life subject. Apple has since put The Banker's release on hold while it investigates the reports.

The film, which stars Samuel L Jackson and Anthony Mackie, was due to have its theatrical release earlier this month at the American Film Institute Festival (AFI Fest) before appearing on Apple's new streaming service, Apple TV+.

Last month, co-producer Bernard Garrett Jr, the son of Garrett Sr – played by Mackie in The Banker –was accused publicly by his half-sisters of molesting them when they were young. While Garrett Jr has denied the accusations, his name has disappeared from the film's producing credits.

His name also does not appear among the 53 members of the cast and crew who issued a statement on December 23 , defending the movie and "its positive message of empowerment."

“We set out to tell a story we were very passionate about, recounting the remarkable lives of Bernard Garrett Sr and Joe Morris, and their ground-breaking achievements combating racial inequality in the 1950s and 60s. Though we have no way of knowing what may have transpired between Mr Garrett’s children in the 1970s, including the allegations of abuse we have recently been made aware of, our hearts go out to anyone who has suffered. The film itself is not based on the recollections of any of Bernard Garrett Sr’s children, but rather, on recorded interviews with Bernard Garrett Sr himself, conducted in 1995, supported by congressional transcripts, court rulings, and other media articles from the era. We stand by the film, and its positive message of empowerment.”

Apple's synopsis of The Banker says it is inspired by the real-life story of revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris (Samuel L Jackson). Directed by George Nolfi, the movie follows the duo's plan of taking on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960s by helping African-Americans pursue the American dream.

Watch the film's official trailer here: