‘Birth of a Nation’ Scandal: Timeline of Nate Parker’s Case

Ten months ago, Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” — which opens Friday — looked like the favorite to win Best Picture at next year’s Academy Awards. Then came reports that a woman who accused Parker of sexual assault 17 years ago had committed suicide in 2012. A backlash grew quickly, and commentators criticized Parker for using graphic rape scenes in his film for dramatic purposes. Here’s a timeline of how the film became such a source of debate.

August 20, 1999 — Parker’s accuser, then an 18-year-old freshman at Penn State University, said that she blacked out after having some drinks at a bar while waiting for Parker.