Meyers’ Ugly Side of Fame

By JULIAN BROUWER

CASTING agents on Jonathan Rhys-Meyers’ new horror movie have become involved in an ugly row – after asking for “inbred” Americans to appear as extras.

Cork-born Rhys Meyers, 30, and co-star Julianne Moore play a glamorous couple but instead of special effects to ugly-up, casting director Donna Belajac advertised in West Virginia for bug-eyed people with unusual bodies.

The move outraged state Governor Joe Manchin who branded the ad “insensitive” and “offensive”, and Belajac has now been sacked from the film.

Embarrassed producers said in a joint statement: “On behalf of the entire production we regret and are deeply sorry for the casting call sent out by our casting director.

“It was not our intention to cause offence to anyone in making this picture.”

West Virginians believe Hollywood keeps stereotyping them as stupid hillbillies in shows such as The Dukes Of Hazzard.

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