Yesterday it was reported that the premiere of Jeepers Creepers 3 had been cancelled due to the film’s director, Victor Salva. The theater showing the premiere of the film feared protests over Salva’s disturbing crimes he committed back in 1988 and released this statement:
“Dear Valued Customer, We would like to inform you that due to events beyond our control, the screening event hosted by @Moviedude18 for ‘Jeepers Creepers and Jeepers Creepers 3’ on Wednesday September 13, 2017 will no longer take place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your party. We have worked with Fandango to refund your purchase directly. You should see the refund in your account within the next few days. We would like to offer you free passes. You may redeem them at the box office upon your next visit by showing this email or we can mail them to you if you provide us with your mailing address. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience.”
Now, one of the victims of Salva’s sexual abuse, Nathan Forrest Winters, has released a statement to clarify that he did not call for or initiate the planned protests in any way (via WithoutYourHead.com):
We would like to first express our sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support we have received these past few weeks. It is beyond words. Thank you all. Due to the nature of the controversy which led to the cancellation of the premiere of Jeepers Creepers 3, we would like to make it known that we had no part in the events which took place. While we are humbled, it should be made clear that we believe that it is the viewers’ choice whether to watch a Victor Salva film. We want Jeepers Creepers fans to know that we understand their frustration. Our purpose in this isn’t to stop Victor from working, only to let the truth be brought to light. No one is out for vengeance. We look forward to sharing the truth with you through our documentary The Babysitter, which will be out in 2019.
It’s a terrible thing to report on, but I do see people saying that it happened in 1988, why are people just now complaining? to which I’d point out that the internet wasn’t as big when those other films came out, so most probably weren’t aware. As someone who likes to separate the art from the artist, Salva’s awful crimes make it pretty hard to do that.