Sony apologies for Peter Rabbit's blackberry allergy pelting scene

The scene has been called 'socially irresponsible' by several groups representing allergy sufferers

Beatrix Potter's stories evoke a very particular feeling: a quaint gentleness, combined with just a touch of mischief.

A mood perhaps not so accurately captured by Sony Pictures' Peter Rabbit, which came under fire under accusations it "mocks" and trivialises the sometimes life-threatening conditions of allergy suffers.

The scene in question sees Peter (James Corden) and his gang of bunny companions attack the nephew of his arch-nemesis Mr. McGregor, Tom (Domhnall Gleeson), with blackberries, after discovering he's highly allergic to them. With one even landing in his mouth, Tom begins to have a severe reaction, before quickly stabbing himself in the leg with an Epipen.

Several groups for allergy sufferers emerged to condemn the scene, prompting #boycottpeterrabbit to start circulating on social media.

American group Kids with Food Allergies Foundation warned parents on Facebook about the film, adding: "Making light of this condition hurts our members because it encourages the public not to take the risk of allergic reactions seriously, and this cavalier attitude may make them act in ways that could put an allergic person in danger."

Sony Pictures on Sunday night released a statement (via The Telegraph) that it should "not have made light of Mr. McGregor being allergic to blackberries" and said it regretted not being more aware and sensitive of the issue.

The Australian group Global Anaphylaxis Awareness and Inclusivity (Globalaai) petition, which already has over 4,000 supporters, had previously called for Sony Pictures to apologise for the scene, which "mocks the seriousness of allergic disease and is heartbreakingly disrespectful to the families of those that have lost loved one to anaphylaxis."

"Furthermore this is a socially irresponsible depiction in a movie aimed at children and based on an iconic and classic children's story. To spread a message that condones such victimising and dangerous behaviour amongst children is grossly offensive to worldwide viewers especially those who live with severe allergic disease."

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