Forest Whitaker used the Ugandan premiere of THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND on Saturday (17FEB07) to defend himself against allegations of defamation. The Oscar nominee, who plays the African country's former dictator Idi Amin in the movie, has been threatened with a lawsuit by the late statesman's son. TABAN AMIN is furious he wasn't consulted before the film was made, and feels his family's reputation has been tarnished in the Hollywood biopic. However, Whitaker insists Taban had adequate opportunity to contribute to the project before shooting began. He said, "I have tried to give a balanced and fair portrait of Amin. I spoke at length with Taban's brother and sister about my portrayal of their father, and also tried to speak with Taban. But he is a very busy man and never returned my calls."