Peter Andre’s foray into acting as a Jamaican gangster in a new movie has ignited controversy and uproar across the internet, compelling the Mysterious Girl singer to delete his promotional snippets of the film. Dubbed ‘Jafaican’, the trailer launched earlier this week, left masses chuckling over the dad of five’s portrayal.
Nonetheless, some spectators have arched their brows at Peter sporting a dreadlock wig and adopting a Jamaican accent for this cinematic venture. Perturbed voices query “why is Jamaica always the butt of the joke” while others escalate their criticism to label the movie as racist.
The storyline hooks with: “Desperate to secure £35,000 for his gran’s care, small-time crook Gazza jumps on a risky tip-off and hatches a daring scam. With just 21 days to pull it off, he must immerse himself in Jamaican culture to con his way between London and Jamaica.”
The two-minute preview springs into action showcasing Gary Buckle (Gazza), embodied by Peter, positioned in London, self-describing as a ‘wheeler-dealer and troublemaker’. His life gets complicated when he confronts the need to cough up £35,000 for his grandmother’s nursing home dues.
Following an unsuccessful stint at accumulating wealth through poker, Gazza feels compelled to chase alternative routes, ultimately settling to masquerade as a gangster in a ploy to land a windfall of £3 million, reports the Mirror.
His adventure leads him to Jamaica, where he’s charged with ‘posing as the gangster, steal his dough and hope to live’. Gazza then declares ‘all I’ve got to do is learn the Jamaican accent’, prompting viewers to cringe at his over-the-top attempts dreadlocks wig included.
Peter unveiled the trailer to his followers on Instagram and Twitter (X) on Tuesday, but swiftly removed his tweet following intense criticism. “This is actually so gross and I don’t know why Jamaica is always everybody’s punchline. Wishing the worst for everyone involved especially you Peter Andre,” blasted one detractor.
Another remarked: “Just saw the trailer for @MrPeterAndre new film disrespecting Rastafari – a religion in Jamaica – and mocking Jamaican culture in general, guess what he plays – a white Jamaican criminal. I want to know why these people don’t find stereotypes about their own culture to film.
“A couple of years ago, Peter Andre was a presenter on GB News. This actually tracks, lol. It’s on brand for him,” commented someone, referencing Peter’s now-removed tweet with the trailer. Another said: “There’s a movie coming out with Peter Andre in a dreadlock wig pretending to be Jamaican. Is this really what we’re doing in 2025?”.
While the trailer has faced its share of criticism, some found humour in it. A Twitter user quipped: “Sorry a film where Peter Andre has to pose as a Jamaican gangster to pay for his Grans care home. It might just be peak art,” Yet, there are those on social media who have commended Peter’s new project, with comments like: “When will we get to watch it can’t wait.
“Congratulations Peter I’m so happy for you well done your acting is perfection. I’m so looking forward to seeing it I can’t wait I’m so excited,” another fan exclaimed. A third supporter added: “Congratulations Peter well done looking forward to seeing it.”
In response to the mixed reactions, the official Instagram account for Jafaican posted a screenshot of an article about the trailer’s reception, headlined: “Peter Andre debuts ‘disturbing’ fake Jamaican accent in bonkers new movie trailer.” The caption read: “WHO DONT LOVE A GOOD STORY..”