Sharpton, Others to Discuss ‘Barbershop’ Plans

The Rev. Al Sharpton, one of several black leaders who have sharply criticized the hit film “Barbershop” for poking fun at civil rights icons Rosa Parks, the Rev. Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson, said Friday he and several other prominent leaders would discuss today whether they will call for a boycott or other action against the film.

Sharpton made the statement after receiving a letter from Michael G. Nathanson, the president of MGM, which produced and released the low-budget comedy, which has been No. 1 at the box office for the last two weeks.

Nathanson in his letter repeated his studio’s previous statement that he, the studio and the filmmakers had not intended to offend anyone. “We have great regard for your opinions and hope that our disagreement over this film does not detract from our shared commitment to equal opportunity, fairness and justice,” the letter said.

Sharpton said the letter does not address his demand that the criticized scene, in which an older barber played by Cedric the Entertainer makes less-than-reverent statements about King, Parks and Jackson, be removed from the film when it is released on home video. The barber is repeatedly shouted down by the other occupants of the establishment during his tirade.

“We can still hurt this film with a boycott,” said Sharpton. “If we can stop two out of 10 moviegoers, that will affect the bottom line.” He also said the studio’s refusal to alter the film could have a “long-range effect,” saying he could push for action against future MGM projects.

The leader added he had received support in his protest from several people across the country who resented the “vehemence” in which the studio and filmmakers have defended their right to make jokes about the civil rights pioneers.

Greg Braxton