The Birth of a Nation writer, actor and director, took to Facebook to write an unfiltered and heartfelt response about his past allegations of rape.
“I understand why so many are concerned and rightfully have questions,” he said. “These issues of a women’s right to be safe and of men and women engaging in healthy relationships are extremely important to talk about, however difficult. And more personally, as a father, a husband, a brother and man of deep faith, I understand how much confusion and pain this incident has had on so many, most importantly the young woman who was involved.”
New details about Parker’s rape allegations reveal the woman who accused Parker of rape committed suicide a few years ago. Parker, having learned about her death through the media, shared his sympathies over her death.
“I myself just learned that the young woman ended her own life several years ago and I am filled with profound sorrow…I can’t tell you how hard it is to hear this news,” he wrote.
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Now 36, Parker still maintains his innocence, but notes that he should have used more wisdom.
“…I look back on that time as a teenager and can say without hesitation that I should have used more wisdom. I look back on that time, my indignant attitude and my heartfelt mission to prove my innocence with eyes that are more wise with time. I see now that I may not have shown enough empathy even as I fought to clear my name,” he wrote.
“I have changed so much since nineteen. I’ve grown and matured in so many ways and still have more learning and growth to do. I have tried to conduct myself in a way that honors my entire community – and will continue to do this to the best of my ability. All of this said, I also know there are wounds that neither time nor words can heal.”