While Acura may have avoided calls when the story on a casting document that called for an African American actor who is “Not too dark” broke out Wednesday morning, the Japanese company has now issued a formal apology.
The document was allegedly leaked to gossip website TMZ by an African American actor “who didn’t fit the profile, and who’s pissed”.
The ad asked for an African American to play the role of a car salesperson in Acura’s Super Bowl commercial for the NSX concept featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno.
Acura said that it had nothing to do with the casting sheet and that this is the first time it heard about it.
The company’s full statement follows below:
“We apologize to anyone offended by the language on the casting sheet used in the selection of actors for one of our commercials.
We sought to cast an African-American in a prominent role in the commercial, and we made our selection based on the fact that he was the most talented actor.
The casting sheet was only now brought to our attention. We are taking appropriate measures to ensure that such language is not used again in association with any work performed on behalf of our brand.”
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