The producers of Spotlight are now apologizing to a local man for the way they portrayed him in the Oscar winning film.
Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn says the film portrayed him as someone who knew about clergy abuse, but was indifferent to victims’ suffering.
He says that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
“I led the charge to get them compensation, to get them counseling and to pass on any information they shared with us to police,” said Dunn.
Dunn says he attempted to have the scene taken out of future editions of the movie, but the damage has already been done.
“The reality is it will never erase the pain of being falsely depicted in a movie that has won an Academy Award, that has been shown all around the world,” said Dunn.
In turn, the movie’s production company Open Road, released this statement:
“We acknowledge that Mr. Dunn was not part of the archdiocesan cover-up. It is clear from his efforts on behalf of the victims at BC High that he and the filmmakers share a deep, mutual concern for victims of abuse.”
Dunn says he feels relieved.
“I have great respect for the Globe’s spotlight team. I have great respect for the intentions of the movie. My issue is that a movie that unveiled the biggest scandal in the history of the church didn’t need dramatization and didn’t need fictionalization and I wish it hadn’t included it,” said Dunn.
The father of four says the past few months have been tough on his family, but he’s ready to move on.
Open Road Films will also make donations to local charities in Dunn’s name.
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