‘Sapphires’ DVD cover called racist and sexist

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The American distributor of the Australian film “The Sapphires” is apologizing for the DVD cover, which some have called sexist and racist, and said Monday it is considering new cover art for future shipments.

Anchor Bay Entertainment said in a statement that it “regrets any unintentional upset” caused by the DVD, which will be on U.S. store shelves Tuesday.

“New cover art is being considered for future replenishment orders,” the statement said.

“The Sapphires” tells the story of an all-female Australian  singing group in 1968 that overcame prejudice at home to achieve success that included touring Vietnam to entertain American troops.

The Australian DVD cover shows four actresses of Australian aboriginal descent prominently in the foreground and the white actor who plays their manager in the background. Their positions are inverted on the American cover to showcase “Bridesmaids” actor Chris O’Dowd.

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Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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