Green Book director Peter Farrelly apologises for flashing genitals in past: 'I thought I was being funny'
The director has admitted to exposing himself to former colleagues, including Cameron Diaz
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The director of Green Book has apologised after admitting that an old story that said he likes to flash his genitals is true.
Filmmaker Peter Farrelly, whose film won three Golden Globes last weekend, has admitted he’s “embarrassed” by his former actions.
Published by The Cut in 1998, the story – comprised of Newsweek excerpts – featured quotes from his colleagues, including Cameron Diaz, who said he liked to trick people into looking at his penis with help from his director brother, Bobby.
Peter and Bobby Farrelly directed hit comedies Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary and Shallow Hal.
The Green Book director and co-writer issued a statement through his publicists.
“I was an idiot,” he said. “I did this decades ago and I thought I was being funny and the truth is I’m embarrassed and it makes me cringe now. I’m deeply sorry.”
Green Book stars Mahershala Ali as real-life African-American concert pianist Don Shirley and Viggo Mortensen as his Italian-American driver. The duo become unlikely friends when the latter accepts the role of Shirley’s personal chauffeur.
Since the film’s debut in the US, members of Shirley’s family have claimed that nobody was consulted during its development – something which prompted Ali to pick up the phone and apologise.
Shirley's family branded the film a "symphony of lies". It's released in the UK on 1 February.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments