Why did DW Griffiths epic film The Birth of a Nation become controversial?

D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation" became controversial due to its racist portrayal of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. The film, released in 1915, depicted African Americans in a negative light and perpetuated harmful stereotypes, which sparked widespread protests and criticism from civil rights groups. Its historical inaccuracies and the way it framed the Reconstruction era also contributed to its contentious reception, leading to ongoing debates about its impact on American culture and race relations.