Comedian Leslie Jones' Website Hacked, FBI Investigating; Ryan Lochte Called Back to Rio to Face Charges of Filing a False Police Report.
HILL: His new film had Oscar buzz, but now Nate Parker's "Birth of a Nation" won't play tonight at the American Film Institute. The Q&A that was supposed to follow that screening also axed. And it's all because of some comments recently made by Parker when he was talking about his acquittal in a past rape case. Joining me now, Jean Casarez who has more on Parker's past. And this came as a surprise to a lot of people. And has completely derailed this film.</s>JEAN CASAREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely. And a lot of people are in his corner and they're saying, "why now? It doesn't make sense." The film doesn't have its premier nationally until October. But all of the focus right now -- and believe me, there is a lot of it -- it's on the background of the star, Nate Parker.</s>CASAREZ (voice-over): From the moment Nate Parker's film, "Birth of a Nation" premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival, the picture has been met with critical acclaim. The historical account starring Parker as Nat Turner who led a slavery revolt in 1831, won big honors at this year's film festival. Fox Searchlight then invested a record $17.5 million for distribution rights. "Birth of a Nation" was on its way to blockbuster success. That is until this. Parker, the writer, director, and star of this film -- rated R in part, because of violence -- was formally accused of a violent act himself, in 1999. Rape. Sexually assaulting a young woman that he knew while a student at Penn State University. Parker was arrested and charged with multiple offenses. His roommate at the time, John Celestin, now co-author on "Birth of a Nation," was also charged with sexually assaulting the young woman at the same time. According to legal documents, Parker harassed the accuser during the time before trial. Parker was found not guilty on all charges. In 2012, the woman who accused Parker and Celestin committed suicide. The future of the movie is now in question. With showing being cancelled or modified before the national premier October 7th. Parker himself has taken to Facebook trying to explain what happened 17 years ago. "Over the last several days, a part of my past, my arrest, trial, and acquittal on charges of sexual assault, has become a focal point for media coverage, social media speculation, and industry conversation. I understand why so many are concerned and rightfully have questions. While I maintain my innocence that the encounter was unambiguously consensual, there are things more important than the law. There is morality. No one who calls himself a man of faith should even be in that situation."</s>CASAREZ: And once again, Nate Parker was acquitted of those charges. CNN has reached out to his representatives, they have not contacted us back. But one more thing, Toronto International Film Festival, they are going to screen the film, but they have cancelled a live interview, a Q&A with him after the, after the shooting.</s>HILL: Which is fascinating that they -- it's actually not surprising, of course on one hand, that they don't want -- especially Fox Searchlight, I imagine -- does not want him to have to take questions on this after that film. Interesting that it's still being screened. The backlash is fascinating, though. And how much of it has come. And this happened in 1999. Proof though that these things don't go away.</s>CASAREZ: But he's acquitted.</s>HILL: Right.</s>CASAREZ: He's acquitted of the charges. But the polarization is amazing. And people that you would think would be in his corner ...</s>HILL: Yeah.</s>CASAREZ: ... are saying, "I will not view the film." I mean, social media is just ablaze with this.</s>HILL: Interesting too, his statement too where he says, "even though I was acquitted, this is about morality." Interesting that that's coming from him.</s>CASAREZ: It's very honest.</s>HILL: Yeah. We'll continue to watch how it plays out. Jean, nice to see you ...</s>CASAREZ: Thank you.</s>HILL: ... thank you. Federal law enforcement has been called to investigate an alleged hack on comedian Leslie Jones' website. The SNL star's website was taken offline earlier this week after racist images, as well as Jones' personal information were posted. Jones you may recall has been the target of several racist attacks in recent weeks. Even taking herself off of Twitter for some time because of hateful messages. Ryan Lochte is being called back to Brazil, and the Rio police say they're not playing games. They olympic swimmer being charged with filing a false police report after he claimed he and three other swimmers were robbed at gunpoint. Now Lochte can choose to send an attorney and does not need to appear in court. If convicted, Lochte could face six months in jail. Thanks so much for being with us today, I'm Erica Hill in for Carol Costello. AT THIS HOUR with Berman and Bolduan starts now.