Scribbled in history books for some good and not-so-good reasons, 2016 brought with it some of modern music’s most memorable moments.
As the year draws to a close, TGJ is reflecting on 31 moments that rocked – and to some degree shaped – the Urban and Pop musical landscape as we know it.
Now, we reflect on how the year’s most anticipated film – Nate Parker’s ‘Birth of a Nation’ – became one of the year’s biggest flops:
With critical acclaim ringing from every corner of the globe by the end of 2015, FOX Searchlight pumped $17 million into what seemed like a sure moneymaker at the box office in 2016: Nate Parker‘s ‘Birth of a Nation.’ A historical film based on the Nat Turner-led slave revolt of 1831, buzz for the flick neared feverish pitch when (seemingly out of nowhere) the actor was slammed with resurfaced reports of an alleged rape incident that happened during his time at Pennsylvania State University 17 years prior.
Though he was found innocent at the time of trial for the incident, the effects of its damage on his public profile was only heightened when he shunned reporters’ questions about it. His attempts to redirect focus onto his film failed, a feat evidenced by the movie’s $7 million intake at box offices the weekend of its premiere. As of time reported, the project has yet to cross the $17 million threshold in box office revenue.
And, while many are sure the star will rebound from the negative press, it’s disheartening all of this had to happen during what could and should have been the biggest accomplishment of his professional acting career.