Leonard Bernstein's family defends Bradley Cooper over prosthetic nose in movie
Leonard Bernstein's family is defending Bradley Cooper over a fake nose in the film playing the legendary Jewish composer in his new film.
Bradley Cooper plays Leonard Bernstein, with Carey Mulligan as his wife Felicia (Photo: GETTY IMAGES)
The Academy Award nominee, who wrote, directed and starred in Maestro, has come under heavy criticism since the film's premiere trailer was released this week.
Bernstein's three children said they did not object to Cooper's decision
Critics called Cooper's decision to wear a fake nose a mockery of Jews.
Other critics questioned whether non-Jewish actors, like Cooper, were worthy of playing Jewish characters.
However, the three children of the late Bernstein said they did not object to Cooper's decision to use prosthetic noses to make his appearance more similar to their father's.
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"In fact, Leonard Bernstein did have a big nose," Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein said in a statement on social media.
"We're also sure our father didn't mind either," they continued.
Bernstein, the son of Jewish-Ukrainian immigrants, died in 1990 but is now known as one of the finest composers and conductors of his time.
He served as director of the New York Philharmonic and wrote the Broadway musical, West Side Story.
Cooper, who has received nine Academy Award nominations, is best known for his roles in A Star Is Born and The Hangover.
Maestro is a romantic biography between Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre, played by Carey Mulligan. Maestro is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival.