The producers of Adam Sandler's new film The Ridiculous Six are facing further controversy after video footage featuring an executive urging Native American actors to leave the set if they are "overly sensitive" to indigenous stereotypes emerged online.
The project hit headlines last week after a dozen actors and the film's cultural advisor walked off the set, citing racism, misrepresenting Apache culture and disrespectful plotlines.
The walk out occurred two days after angered cast members made their complaints known to producers, and according to the cell phone video clip, obtained by editors at Indian Country Today, one of the filmmakers addressed the situation by suggesting those offended quit.
In the video, the unidentified producer tells the group, "If you are overly sensitive about it, then you should probably leave."
The producer goes on to claim nothing in the script was intended to disrespect the Native Americans, to which one of the actors replies, "You're trying to tell a Native what's disrespectful?"
Sandler and officials at streaming service Netflix, who are partnering with the comedian for the film, have yet to comment on the leaked video.
Netflix producers previously issued a press release expressing their continued support for Sandler's movie, stating, "The movie has ridiculous in the title for a reason: because it is ridiculous. It is a broad satire of Western movies and the stereotypes they popularized, featuring a diverse cast that is not only part of - but in on - the joke."
One of the film's stars, rapper/actor Vanilla Ice - who is part Choctaw, spoke out about the drama over the weekend, telling TMZ.com, "It's a comedy. I don't think anybody had any ill feelings or ill intent. This movie isn't Dances with Wolves. It's comedy."
WENN.com
source: newshub archive
