Bradley Cooper’s prosthetic nostril for Jewish conductor function not antisemitic, says Anti-Defamation League

An anti-hate organisation has defended Bradley Cooper’s determination to put on a prosthetic nostril to painting Jewish conductor Leonard Bernstein in his newest movie.

The actor sparked a backlash when the trailer for his upcoming biopic Maestro confirmed him with a bigger nostril than his actual one, with some accusing Cooper of reinforcing Jewish stereotypes.

But the Anti-Defamation League, which fights antisemitism and bias, mentioned the choice to make use of a prosthetic was honest.

In an announcement to US outlet TMZ, the worldwide Jewish organisation mentioned: “Throughout history, Jews were often portrayed in antisemitic films and propaganda as evil caricatures with large, hooked noses. This film, which is a biopic on the legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein, is not that.”

Renowned composer Bernstein, who was born to Jewish mother and father, died in 1990. He wrote the music for West Side Story and received 16 Grammy Awards throughout his profession.

The conductor’s kids got here to Cooper’s defence after he got here below fireplace for his portrayal, saying their father had a “nice, big nose” they usually had been “perfectly fine” with the Hangover actor selecting to “amplify his resemblance” to Bernstein.

“We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration,” they mentioned in an announcement.

While some criticised 48-year-old Cooper for his depiction – with former EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman branding it much like using blackface make-up – the trailer’s launch additionally led to a wider dialogue about why Cooper was forged over a Jewish actor.

Maestro, which focuses on Bernstein’s relationship together with his spouse Felicia Montealegre, performed by Carey Mulligan, is scheduled to premiere on the Venice Film Festival on 2 September.