Peter Andre Faces Backlash Over Jamaican Gangster Film

Peter Andre has faced significant backlash for his role in the film "Jafaican," where he plays Gary Buckle, a small-time crook who adopts Jamaican culture, including wearing dreadlocks and using a Jamaican accent, to execute a con. The film, directed by British-Nigerian Fredi Nwaka, involved extensive consultation with Jamaican figures such as comedian Oliver Samuels and reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji, who gave their approval during production, leaving Andre surprised by accusations of cultural appropriation. Andre, who is of Greek-Cypriot descent and experienced racial abuse as a child in Australia, defended the film by distinguishing between offensive racism and cultural parody, expressing confusion over the negative reaction. Despite the criticism, the film has been praised for its humor and emotional depth and utilized local Jamaican crews and talent to support the local economy. To address public concerns, the film will be available for a limited time on Vimeo for viewers to form their own opinions, and a sequel is already in planning, with Andre inviting This Morning presenter Alison Hammond to join. Andre's personal experiences with racism have shaped his perspective on what constitutes true offense versus cultural representation.