‘Maestro’ Nose Controversy: Leonard Bernstein’s Children Defend Bradley Cooper’s Use Of Prosthetics

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Bradley Cooper was hit pretty much immediately with controversy as he unveiled a first look at his forthcoming Netflix pic Maestro, when the internet encountered the prosthetic nose he’d adopted to portray legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

But Bernstein’s children have now come to his defense. “Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father,” wrote Jamie, Alexander and Nina Bernstein in a statement posted to their late father’s X page. “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. “It breaks our hearts,” the trio continued, “to see any misrepresentations or misunderstandings of his efforts.

It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and we’re perfectly fine with that.” The Bernsteins at the same time expressed their belief that their father would have been “fine” with the use of prosthetics, and that “any strident companies around this issue” are perhaps “disingenuous attempts to bring a successful person down a notch — a practice we observed all too often perpetrated on our own father.” Added the Bernsteins, “At all times during the making of this film, we could feel the profound respect and yes, the love that Bradley brought to his portrait of Leonard Bernstein and his wife, our mother Felicia.

We feel so fortunate to have had this experience with Bradley, and we can’t wait for the world to see his creation.” Cooper’s use of prosthetics attracted controversy given its apparent embodiment of “Jewface” — the stereotypical, or