Controversy has bubbled to the surface after an Italian distributor of “12 Years a Slave” placed major focus on Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender, rather than the star Chiwetel Ejiofor. After complaints, the director has apologized.
“We apologize for creating and releasing unauthorized posters for ’12 Years a Slave’ in Italy featuring Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender in a manner inconsistent with approved advertising materials,” BIM Distribuzione said in a statement issued Thursday. “All inappropriate materials have now been withdrawn. We are very proud of the film and regret any distraction this incident may have caused.”
According to Variety, the apology came three days after first news of the posters emerged. Actor Ejiofor appears in most every scene of the film as the main star, while Pitt is in only a couple of scenes.
