Spike Lee says he regrets controversial rape scene from ‘She’s Gotta Have It’

Director Spike Lee arrives at the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles April 18, 2013. REUTERS/Phil McCarten (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT) - RTXYRGX

Famed director Spike Lee sat down with Deadline ahead of the 25th anniversary of his film “Do the Right Thing.” During the interview, Lee revealed that his “biggest regret” dates back to an earlier film he made, his first big feature flick, “She’s Gotta Have It.”

He spoke to Deadline about the rape scene in the film, which caused some controversy after the movie’s 1986 release.

“If I was able to have any do-overs, that would be it,” he said. “It was just totally ... stupid. I was immature. It made light of rape, and that’s the one thing I would take back. I was immature and I hate that I did not view rape as the vile act that it is.”

Now, the film is becoming a Showtime series, but Lee was adamant that he wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

“I can promise you, there will be nothing like that in 'She's Gotta Have It,' the TV show [that will air on Showtime], that's for sure.”

Click here to read the entire interview from Deadline.