The actor also stars in the film as Turner.
Parker was acquitted of the crime, while Celestin was convicted.
Celestins verdict was later overturned, however, on account of anineffective defense.
Credit: J. Countess/Getty Images
It resulted in it being litigated.
I was cleared of it.
Seventeen years later, Im a filmmaker.
I have a family.
I have five beautiful daughters.
I have a lovely wife.
The reality is I cant relive 17 years ago.
All I can do is be the best man I can be now.
There is morality; no one who calls himself a man of faith should even be in that situation.
I see now that I may not have shown enough empathy even as I fought to clear my name.
This is hard; Ive been trying to figure out how to say this.
Not everyone has the best intentions.
I was acting as if I was the victim, and thats wrong.
I didnt even think for a second about her, not even for a second.
In the same interview with Ebony, he added, You asked me why I wasnt empathetic?
Why didnt it come off more empathetic?
Because I wasnt being empathetic.
Why didnt it come off more contrite?
Because I wasnt being contrite.
Maybe I was being even arrogant.
And learning about her passing shook me, it really did.
It really shook me.
The Birth of a Nationleft Sundance as an early Oscar contender.
Fox Searchlight will release the film in theaters on Oct. 7.
