Lee Daniels to Direct Film about California Exoneree

More than two years after kidnapping and rape charges against a former Southern California high school player were dismissed in Los Angeles, famed director Lee Daniels is set to direct a film about the case. Brian Banks was a prospect to play college football at the University of Southern California and ultimately go professional, when he was accused by a classmate of forcing her to the school’s basement and raping her. To avoid a lengthy prison sentence, Banks took a plea deal and was forced to register as a sex offender and wear an electronic monitoring bracelet when he was released from prison after serving five years. He was exonerated in 2012 with the help of the

California Innocence Project

.

 


Entertainment Weekly

reported that Daniels’ next film will be about Banks’ promising football career and how it was derailed by a false accusation of rape.

 

“All I ever wanted was to prove my innocence,” said Banks, in a statement, according to

Entertainment Weekly

. “Telling my story in the form of a feature film is beyond my wildest dreams. Having Lee Daniels come on board to direct the film is so exciting, and such an honor.”

 

While there is no script yet, the film’s working title is

The Brian Banks Story

and will be produced by Daniels and Amy Baer.

 


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