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

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2023

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An anti-hate organisation has defended Bradley Cooper’s decision to wear a prosthetic nose to portray Jewish conductor Leonard Bernstein in his latest film.

The actor sparked a backlash when the trailer for his upcoming biopic Maestro showed him with a larger nose than his real one, with some accusing Cooper of reinforcing Jewish stereotypes.

But the Anti-Defamation League, which fights antisemitism and bias, said the decision to use a prosthetic was fair.

In a statement to US outlet TMZ, the international Jewish organisation said: “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 parents, died in 1990. He wrote the music for West Side Story and won 16 Grammy Awards during his career.

The conductor’s children came to Cooper’s defence after he came under fire for his portrayal, saying their father had a “nice, big nose” and they were “perfectly fine” with the Hangover actor choosing 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 said in a statement.

While some criticised 48-year-old Cooper for his depiction – with former EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman branding it similar to the use of blackface make-up – the trailer’s release also led to a wider discussion about why Cooper was cast over a Jewish actor.

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

Entertainment

Sabrina Carpenter hits out at ‘evil and disgusting’ White House video featuring her song

Published

3 hours ago

December 3, 2025

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Sabrina Carpenter hits out at 'evil and disgusting' White House video featuring her song

Sabrina Carpenter has hit out at an “evil and disgusting” White House video of migrants being detained that uses one of her songs.

“Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda,” the pop star posted on X.

The White House used part of Carpenter‘s upbeat song Juno over pictures of immigration agents handcuffing, chasing and detaining people.

It was posted on social media on Monday and has been viewed 1.2 million times so far.

President Trump‘s policy of sending officers into communities to forcibly round up illegal immigrants has proved controversial, with protests and legal challenges ongoing.

Mr Trump promised the biggest deportation in US history, but some of those detained have been living and working in the US for decades and have no criminal record.

Carpenter is not the only star to express disgust over the administration’s use of their music.

Olivia Rodrigo last month warned the White House not to “ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda” after All-American Bitch was used in a video urging undocumented migrants to leave voluntarily.

In July, English singer Jess Glynne also said she felt “sick” when her song from the viral Jet2 advert was used over footage of people in handcuffs being loaded on a plane.

Other artists have also previously hit out at Trump officials for using their music at political campaign events, including Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, Celine Dion, Ozzy Osbourne and The Rolling Stones.

Entertainment

Holly Willoughby fined after colliding with moped and injuring rider

Published

17 hours ago

December 2, 2025

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Holly Willoughby fined after colliding with moped and injuring rider

TV presenter Holly Willoughby has been fined in court after she admitted driving without due care and attention when her car collided with a moped, injuring the rider.

The star, 44, pleaded guilty by post to the charge at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday but did not attend the hearing.

Willoughby was fined £1,653 alongside £130 in costs and a £661 victim surcharge and given six points on her licence, the Metropolitan Police said.

According to court documents, the incident happened on 28 August as she was driving her Mini Cooper near her home in Richmond, southwest London.

Police were called to Church Road, Barnes, following reports of a collision.

The rider of the moped, a 43-year-old man, was taken to hospital. His injuries were assessed as neither life-threatening nor life-changing.

Read more from Sky News:
Gavin Plumb loses appeal
Willoughby tells of ‘tough’ year

The presenter is best known for fronting Dancing On Ice as well as ITV daytime show This Morning, which she left in October 2023.