Bradley Cooper's use of a prosthetic nose for his portrayal of famed Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic maestro was deemed acceptable by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
Following the release of the film's first trailer on August 15, the 48-year-old actor, who is not Jewish, caused a stir online after he was accused of “fomenting anti-Semitic stereotypes.”
However, the ADL, the well-known Jewish organization that fights against all forms of anti-Semitism and bias, has spoken out in Cooper's favor.
“Throughout history, Jews have often been portrayed as evil caricatures with big hooked noses in anti-Semitic films and propaganda,” the ADL said in a statement diversity. “This film, which is a biography of legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, is not.”
The organization's message of support comes shortly after Bernstein's three children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina, also released a joint statement defending the organization silver linings Playbook actor last week.
“Bradley Cooper has been with the three of us every step of the way in his amazing journey while making his film about our father,” they began.
“We were deeply touched as we witnessed the depth of his dedication, his loving engagement with our father's music, and the pure, open-minded joy he brought to his exploration.
Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein
(Jason McDonald/Netflix)
“It breaks our hearts to see any misrepresentation or misunderstanding of his efforts,” they continued. “It's actually true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to enhance his likeness and we totally agree with that. We're also sure that our father wouldn't have minded either.
“Any sharp complaints on this subject strike us primarily as disingenuous attempts to belittle a successful person—a practice we have seen all too often in our own father.”
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They added, “At all times during the making of this film we could feel the deep respect and, yes, love that Bradley had for his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia.”
“We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley and we can't wait for the world to see his creation.”
Co-produced by Hollywood heavyweights Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. maestro Described as a “love letter to life and art,” Bernstein chronicles the decades-long relationship between Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre Bernstein (Carey Mulligan).
In the teaser, Cooper looks aged as he portrays the composer at various moments in his life. Bernstein died in 1990 at the age of 72.
Former EastEnders Actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, who is of Jewish background, compared Cooper's apparent “prosthetic nose” to the use of blackface makeup.
She told her Instagram followers, “Cillian (Murphy) could play Oppenheimer because he looks like Oppenheimer and through the power of his acting could convey the power of the man's history and Judaism, as could Tom Conti since Einstein doesn't ‘carry' had to.” a nose.
“If Bradley Cooper can't make it by his strength or his acting, then don't cast him, hire a Jewish actor.”
Cooper's representatives did not respond The IndependentRequest for comments.
Actor and producer Jake Gyllenhaal, who is of Jewish descent, previously spoke of his disappointment at losing an offer to Cooper for the rights to a Bernstein film and admitted he had always longed to ” one of America's preeminent Jewish artists” for almost two decades.
maestro will be available in select UK cinemas on November 24th and on Netflix from December 20th.
