Peter Rabbit film facing boycott over controversial 'food allergy bullying' scene

'It is disrespectful to the families of those that have lost loved ones to anaphylaxis'

Brand new film Peter Rabbit has sparked criticism for a scene which depicts "food allergy bullying."

Numerous groups comprised of allergy sufferers are calling for a boycott due to a scene which reportedly shows a gang of bunnies attacking the nephew of the lead character's nemesis Mr McGregor (Sam Neill) with blackberries in the knowledge he is allergic to them.

One such group, Global Anaphylaxis Awareness and Inclusivity (Globalaai), demanded an apology from the film's distributor Sony Picture stating the film “mocks the seriousness of allergic disease and is heartbreakingly disrespectful to the families of those that have lost loved ones to anaphylaxis”.

The film - which stars James Corden, Daisy Ridley and Domhnall Gleeson - is later said to show the character stabbing himself in the leg with an Epipen after falling seriously ill.

Kids With Food Allergies Foundation posted an advisory notice on its Facebook page stating: ‘The new movie, Peter Rabbit, has a scene that may be disturbing to young viewers who have a food allergy. A character is intentionally attacked with his allergen, leading to anaphylaxis and the use of epinephrine. Parents should be aware of this before your children see the movie so you can talk with your child(ren) about it.

Peter Rabbit - based on the beloved Beatrix Potter character - is out in the US now but won't be released in the UK until 16 March.

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