Oprah Winfrey who plays Deborah Lacks was accused of being an ally with HBO in exploiting the memory of Henrietta Lacks. This was the claim of Lawrence Lacks, Deborah's brother and son of Henrietta Lacks.
Lawrence and his family reportedly want compensation from John Hopkins Hospital for using the cells of his mother in various medical studies. Aside from the medical institution, Lacks extended his complaints to Oprah Winfrey and HBO as per Baltimore Sun. According to reports, both disputed the claims.
Henrietta Lacks is the African-American woman who died of breast cancer in 1951. Her cells were then used to create the first immortal cell line. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is a film based on a book written by Rebecca Skloot with the same title.
Winfrey is starring in the HBO docudrama, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," set to premiere on the premium cable channel. Lawrence also accused Skloot of inaccuracy in chronicling the family and was asked by Lacks about a foundation she had established.
Lawrence Lacks was quoted saying, "It is bad enough Johns Hopkins took advantage of us. Now, Oprah, Rebecca, and HBO are doing the same thing. They're no better than the people they say they hate."
The publishing company, Crown Publishing Group, which published Skloot's book, has issued its statement regarding the issue. It said that before the actual publication of the book, they have provided manuscripts to the family for comment and corrections. Rose Byrne plays the role of Rebecca Skloot in the film.
Crown added that the truth on the book was not questioned seven years after its publication in February 2010. In fact, according to the publishing company, members of the family have helped in events and interviews in support of the book.
HBO released a statement responding to the statement of Lack's son. It says that the filmmakers have accurately and sensitively narrated the story of Lacks through the eyes of her daughter, Deborah. The network has worked closely with five of the Lacks family members: her two sons and three grandchildren.
Lawrence is fighting that the family may benefit from the living cells of his mother. Medical companies earned billions by simply using her cells for research as per The Virginian Pilot.
HBO also offered Lawrence the opportunity to read the script, to become a consultant and to view the film once it is finished. However, he declined each offer. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" will premiere on April 22 on HBO.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
