Bradley Cooper Responds to Controversy Over Prosthetic Nose in ‘Maestro’

Bradley Cooper has finally addressed the swirling controversy surrounding his portrayal of Leonard Bernstein in the upcoming biopic “Maestro.”

The actor, who also directed and co-wrote the film, has found himself in the crosshairs of criticism from none other than Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Reports suggest that after viewing the trailer released by Netflix in August, Markle was less than impressed with Cooper's appearance and performance, labeling it as inauthentic and even anti-Semitic.

Markle's comments have raised eyebrows, especially given her history of advocating for social justice and racial equality.

Allegedly, she expressed her discontent to friends, claiming that Cooper was guilty of “Jewface,” a term used to describe stereotypical portrayals of Jewish individuals.

With Bernstein being a prominent Jewish figure, Markle's remarks about Cooper supposedly disrespecting the composer's legacy and culture have ignited a firestorm of debate.

According to sources, Markle believes that Cooper should have either cast a Jewish actor for the role or at least consulted Bernstein's family and the Jewish community during the filmmaking process.

This has led to a wave of backlash against Markle, with many of Cooper's fans and colleagues defending his artistic choices and praising his dedication to the role.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cooper broke his silence on the matter, revealing that he was both “shocked” and “hurt” by Markle's criticisms.

He emphasized that he conducted extensive research and preparation for the role, expressing deep respect for Bernstein and his musical legacy.

Cooper explained that the decision to wear a prosthetic nose was made to enhance his resemblance to Bernstein, who was described by his children as having a “nice, big nose.”

Cooper clarified that there was no intention to offend anyone; rather, he aimed to stay true to Bernstein's physical characteristics and personality.

He mentioned that throughout the filmmaking process, he consulted with Bernstein's children and his co-writer, Josh Singer, who is Jewish.

They provided positive feedback and support, assuring him that they were pleased with how the film turned out.

Addressing Markle's assertion of anti-Semitism, Cooper expressed his disgust at the accusation.

He firmly stated that he is not anti-Semitic and highlighted his respect for his many Jewish friends and colleagues.

Additionally, he noted his support for Israel and shared that he has visited the country multiple times.

Cooper seemed perplexed as to why Markle singled him out for such criticism.

He speculated that her motivations might be rooted in a desire to create drama and draw attention to herself, suggesting that she may be envious of his achievements.

He labeled her actions as hypocritical and ungrateful, advising her to focus on her own issues instead of targeting him.

Despite the controversy, Cooper remains unshaken.

He asserted that he will not allow Markle's comments to tarnish his film or his reputation.

Proud of “Maestro,” he expressed hope that audiences would appreciate the film as a heartfelt tribute to Bernstein and his extraordinary contributions to music.

As the release date for “Maestro” approaches, the discussions surrounding Cooper's portrayal and the ensuing backlash continue to captivate public interest.

It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the film's reception, but Cooper's commitment to honoring Bernstein's legacy is clear.

With the film set to premiere soon, all eyes will be on Cooper and “Maestro” as they navigate the complexities of artistic expression and cultural representation.