Gabrielle Union has found herself in an impossible position with her involvment in Birth of A NationAs a rape survivor and victim's advocate. a Union recently, along with the much of the world, learned that her film's director, writer, producer and star, Nate Parker, was accused of rape 17 years ago. In the film, about Nat Turner's 1831 slave rebellion, Union's character is raped, though it's not depicted on screen. It's why the actress took the part, she writes. She wanted to give voice to women of history, especially black women, who have for so long been silenced on the matter.She stated "I knew I could walk out of our movie and speak to the audience about what it feels like to be a survivor--sexual violence happens more often than anyone can imagine. And if the stories around this film do not prove and emphasize this, then I don't know what does. It is my hope that we can use this as an opportunity to look within."
