Dylan Postl Peter Dinklage Taking Woke Too Far!!! ... By Criticizing 'Snow White' Remake
-
Exclusive
- 3.5K shares
Dylan Postl is NOT here for Peter Dinklage's hot take on the "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" remake. Dylan says that the esteemed actor took things waaay too far... and as a result, he's actually hurting the dwarf community.
We caught up with the actor and former WWE wrestler Wednesday, and he doubled down on his stance, saying the fairytale remake actually gives 7 real-life people in the dwarf community a chance to star in a movie. He says getting work is elusive for these actors, so such roles are not only important ... they're life-sustaining.
Dylan says Peter's actually taking roles away from dwarfs and the little people community by being so critical ... the studios might back off such projects.
ICYMI, Disney decided to remake 'Snow White.' The "Game of Thrones" star had a lot to say about it. Peter said, on the one hand, Disney made a progressive move by casting Rachel Zegler, who's Latina, as the lead ... but on the other, Disney was tone-deaf when it came to its depiction of the 7 dwarfs.
Peter described the story as f***ing backwards"... and criticized Disney's portrayals of the dwarfs as primitive creatures who live in a cave. Turns out, they actually live in a cottage in the woods, but regardless ... he was not happy.
That's very different than Dylan's take -- he says there's absolutely no issue with how they're portrayed. He adds the dwarfs worked, had a lot of gems and were very dynamic ... as opposed to all checking one box.
Dylan took a slight jab at Peter, who didn't have much to say when he was cast as a dwarf in "Elf" or 'GOT' ... so Dylan feels it's disingenuous for him to be so vocal now.
As for Disney, Dylan says he's happy to jump into one of these roles or share them with his friends in the little people community.
related articles
Travis Scott Get Him at Coachella Next Year!!! Fans Petitioning, Want Ye's Help This Year
7:05 AM PT -- Something is up ... the support behind the petition has dropped overnight from almost 70,000 signatures to less than 7,500. We've reached out to change.org to figure out why.
Travis Scott's fans are pushing hard for him to headline next year's Coachella, and even have a petition going to get him on stage this year ... and they're getting a big wave of support.
Following the tragedy at Astroworld, Travis has pulled out of multiple festivals, including Coachella, and while he's opting for a break ... his fans still want him to return to live performances.
The petition that's circulating online is pushing for a Coachella make-good -- they want organizers to commit to Travis being a headliner next year ... OR guarantee Kanye West brings him out as a guest during his set this year.
After 3 days, the petition has almost 70,000 signatures.
Keep in mind, there's another petition out there ... this one started immediately after 10 people died at Astroworld in Houston, and demanded Coachella ban Travis, who, at the time, was rumored to be headlining in the desert. Right now that one has 63,000 signatures and counting.
11/5/21
According to the new petition, many of Trav's fans feel Coachella did him dirty -- it says, "After Coachella unfairly removed Travis Scott for Harry Styles, they need to do the right thing and rebook him immediately."
It also absolves Travis of any wrongdoing in Houston, saying ... "We all know Astroworld tragedy wasn't Travis's fault. Let him get back to performing on the biggest stages!"
As for the potential guest spot with Ye? We do know they have the Kardashian-Jenners in common, and Ye recently thanked Trav for helping him find Chicago's birthday party.
Right now it seems unlikely he'd be up for performing -- especially because he voluntarily bowed out -- but then again, the festival's not until April.
Originally Published -- 12:56 PM PT
related articles
Chuck Palahniuk China's 'Fight Club' Censorship ... Closer to My Book Ending Now!!!
-
Exclusive
- 183 shares
You could say Chuck Palahniuk saw the Chinese government's censorship of "Fight Club" coming ... because the new ending is closer to the original one he wrote 25 years ago.
The famed author -- who penned the OG novel that became the 1999 movie -- joined us Wednesday on "TMZ Live" to give us his take on China removing the film's big explosive climax.
Chuck says it's funny to him that folks are up in arms over the censorship overseas because he's been dealing with his books being banned for a long time right here in the U.S. -- and he calls out Texas, in particular.
The ending to Blood Debts (1985 dir Teddy Page) compared to the Chinese version of Fight Club (1999 dir David Fincher) streaming on Tencent Video pic.twitter.com/0qg3aLnTHv
— Aaron Stewart-Ahn (@somebadideas) January 24, 2022 @somebadideas
Ironically, Chuck told us China's version actually aligns more with the ending he wrote in the novel. Even more twisted ... he says overseas publishers have been editing his novel to make it more like the David Fincher movie.
So, yeah ... unfortunately, he's kinda used to people messing with his art.
As we reported, China released a new version of the movie, starring Brad Pitt and Ed Norton, that ends without explosions, killings and general chaos. Instead, it ends with an on-screen graphic that reads, in part, "The police rapidly figured out the whole plan and arrested all criminals, successfully preventing the bomb from exploding."
It's fair to say Chuck's laughing off the blatant censorship. As he tweeted, "Everyone gets a happy ending in China."
related articles
China Censors Ending of 'Fight Club' ... Cops Win in Their Version!!!
For viewers in China, there's a brand new ending to Brad Pitt's classic film "Fight Club" -- and shocker ... their version strikes a blow for the authorities, who come out on top.
We'd say spoiler alert, but the flick is nearly 23 years old ... and fans know the original ending is total chaos with bombs going off, buildings being destroyed and the narrator killing his imaginary alter-ego. But, viewers in China won't be exposed to any of that.
The ending to Blood Debts (1985 dir Teddy Page) compared to the Chinese version of Fight Club (1999 dir David Fincher) streaming on Tencent Video pic.twitter.com/0qg3aLnTHv
— Aaron Stewart-Ahn (@somebadideas) January 24, 2022 @somebadideas
Instead, a message pops up that says, "through the clue provided by [alter ego] Tyler, the police rapidly figured out the whole plan and arrested all criminals, successfully preventing the bomb from exploding."
And here's a spoiler alert for China -- Tyler gets sent to a "lunatic asylum."
Have You Seen This Sh*t?
— Chuck Palahniuk (@chuckpalahniuk) January 25, 2022 @chuckpalahniuk
This is SUPER wonderful! Everyone gets a happy ending in China!
https://t.co/saVA2yro9B pic.twitter.com/20UzTi1nyI
China's ending is much more peaceful... and lotsa folks aren't happy about their happy ending. Like many other social media users, Chuck Palahniuk -- who wrote the 1996 novel that became the movie -- sarcastically voiced his disapproval.
Even U.S. Senator Ted Cruz had something to say about the Chinese government's decision. That said, it's pretty normal for Chinese censors to make edits to American movies, but not so normal for them to so dramatically change climaxes.
First rule of China's fight club -- the government always wins!!!
related articles
Baker Mayfield Quits Social Media ... After Turbulent Browns Season
Baker Mayfield is going M.I.A. when it comes to social media -- saying Tuesday night that after his turbulent season with the Browns, he's quitting all platforms until further notice.
"Getting off all social media for the foreseeable future," the Cleveland quarterback said. "Gotta do what's best to focus on me, my family and loved ones."
"Appreciate all the support. Time to get right."
The move for the signal-caller always seemed to be a possibility -- considering he and his wife have been unhappy with the Internet community basically this entire season.
Emily Mayfield has had to defend her husband on the apps constantly ... and even said back in December that trolls sent her and the QB death threats following the Browns vs. Packers game.
Baker, meanwhile, has constantly slammed media members and others on social media platforms throughout the season ... even writing in a tweet during the NFL's playoff games last weekend that it was all "toxic."
Baker had a rough year with the Browns outside of all the Internet hate ... throwing 13 interceptions and fumbling 6 times, all while his squad missed the playoffs.
He did have surgery on his injured shoulder last week ... and he's hopeful after recovering, he can return to form next season.
And, it's clear that he believes the rehab process will go much better if he's off Twitter and IG -- at least for now.
related articles
RFK Jr. 'Deeply Sorry' for Anne Frank Comparison ... During Anti-Vax Rant
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is backpedaling big-time, and flat-out apologizing for drawing a parallel between the COVID vaccination measures and the Jewish Holocaust.
He'd been blasted for the remarks he made Sunday at an anti-vax rally in D.C. -- even his wife, Cheryl Hines, condemned him for invoking Anne Frank's plight -- and Tuesday he finally capitulated.
RFK Jr. said on Twitter, "I apologize for my reference to Anne Frank, especially to families that suffered the Holocaust horrors." He also said, "To the extent my remarks caused hurt, I am truly and deeply sorry."
He claimed he was trying to use the terror of Nazi Germany as a parallel to what he views as "the perils from new technologies of control."
The son of the late Attorney General, and presidential candidate, RFK ... has been a vocal opponent of the COVID vaccines, but his Sunday rant crossed a line even for his wife.
Cheryl reacted by saying, "My husband's opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues."
Perhaps they finally had a heart-to-heart -- at least when it comes to him exploiting the Holocaust.
related articles
'Euphoria' Glamorizing Drug Use Among Real Kids ... So Says D.A.R.E.
-
Exclusive
- 5K shares
HBO might think it’s revolutionary to show Zendaya snorting it up on camera, but one group is just saying no to TV drug use ... yep, you guessed it!
The good folks at D.A.R.E (yes, it’s still around, even in 2022) are speaking out on what they say is the glamorization of substance use -- and in many cases, abuse -- that’s depicted throughout the hit series "Euphoria," especially right now as Season 2 gets underway.
A rep for D.A.R.E tells TMZ ... "Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world."
Just to give you one example of how dark this show is, Zendaya’s character, Rue, actually almost OD's during an episode this season ... and, ironically, takes even more drugs to prevent it. And yes, it’s shown in graphic detail ... as is much of the sex and other taboo topics tackled in the series.
The EPs have said their approach to all this is “honest,” but D.A.R.E. says otherwise ... adding, “It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school-age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges.”
Now, D.A.R.E. isn’t just here to criticize ... they say they actually wanna collaborate to help send the right message to real-life kids, "We would welcome the opportunity for our team, including members of our high school-aged Youth Advocacy Board, to meet with individuals at HBO who are involved with producing Euphoria to present our concerns directly."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
If this attitude comes off as antiquated, well there’s a reason for that ... D.A.R.E. was super popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, especially with Nancy Reagan behind the “Just Say No” campaign. But, while that slogan might be dated, D.A.R.E. says everything they stand for in talking about the dangers of drugs is not, insisting "Euphoria" is doing more bad than good.
And, big picture ... they say there's a better way to have a convo about this heavy subject matter.
related articles
'90DF' Alina Kozhevnikova Fired Over Racist Old Posts ... Used the N-Word, Etc.
-
Exclusive Details
- 4.2K shares
7:00 AM PT -- A spokesperson for TLC tells TMZ ... "TLC discontinued filming with Alina Kozhevnikova following the recent discovery of her past social media statements. She will not appear on the upcoming Tell All, any future seasons of the franchise and starting next month, she will no longer appear on 'Before the 90 Days.' TLC does not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind."
Alina Kozhevnikova -- a fan fave on "90 Day Fiance" -- ain't gonna be seeing any more screen time in the future ... and it's all over old racist comments.
Sources tell TMZ ... the Russian bride-to-be, who's risen to prominence during this season of 'Before the 90 Days,' has been fired by TLC brass ... this after a handful of social media posts resurfaced showing her using the n-word and other offensive language.
One Facebook post is from 2014, where she uses the n-word at least five times to describe a party to which she was invited. Another post shows her commenting on a photo, again using the n-word ... except she replaced the Gs with Qs.
A third post references Hugh Grant and how handsome she thinks he is, while noting he'd had children with a Chinese woman and expressing dismay his kids would be "kinda Asian." There's another post where she appears to be mocking Muslim people.
These comments have all surfaced in recent weeks, and now ... we're told Alina's been booted from the franchise.
Here's the thing ... our sources tell us TLC has already wrapped filming for the season — so it's unclear if they'll edit her out of episodes yet to air. She will not appear in the Tell-All episode or any future "90 Day Fiance" shows.
Her American partner, Caleb Greenwood, has stood by her side ... insisting she's not racist, and that he knows her heart.
The Ashley's Reality Roundup first reported news of her departure.
Alina, for her part, also appears to be standing firm ... but hasn't offered any apologies for the remarks. She has claimed to have been ignorant of the n-word's meaning, but a lot of people aren't buying that.
related articles
Brad Williams on 'Snow White' Dink's Right, Story Sucks ... But Disney Can Do Right by Dwarfs!!!
-
Exclusive
- 630 shares
Peter Dinklage thinks ‘Snow White’ has a little person problem, and while Brad Willams doesn’t disagree ... he does have some suggestions on how to make it work.
We talked to the comedian/actor -- who was born with dwarfism himself -- and he gave us his take on Dinklage ripping Disney for what he sees as a fundamental issue with the story of SW and its depiction of dwarfs.
Check it out ... Brad says he isn’t here to refute Pete one iota, because he actually concurs ... ‘Snow White’ is problematic as it stands. However, he hits us with some solutions on how to make it even more progressive than what Disney’s done so far in the casting ... i.e. Rachel Zegler, a Latina, in the title role.
In Brad’s happily ever after, the princess actually ends up with one of the cottage dwellers!!! Watch ... he rattles off some impressive reasons for Happy and co. to play love interests for Snow. Yes, stand-up is Brad's thing, but we think he's only half joking here and makes some solid points. His way, everyone wins ... at least that’s how BW sees it.
On a more serious note, Brad discusses how Hollywood needs to do a better job for little people in the biz, noting that Dinklage is NOT killing roles for other actor’s by saying what he said. That responsibility, Brad argues, ultimately lies with producers and writers ... who should look to be more inclusive in their scripts.
One last thing ... Disney has come out and said it's going a different route with the 7 dwarfs for the upcoming film, one which they say won’t harp on stereotypes the OG animated feature played up.
Dinklage still might not be convinced, but if the Mouse House listens to Brad here -- there might be a way to please all in 2022.
related articles
Aziz Ansari Clowns Rodgers' COVID Vax Stance ... 'He Read Some Articles'
Add Aziz Ansari to the list of people going after Aaron Rodgers -- the "Parks and Rec" star just roasted the hell outta the QB ... saying no one should be surprised about his COVID vaccine stance because he's a football player.
"This guy makes a living getting hit in the head," the 38-year-old said during his Netflix standup special, "Nightclub Comedian," this week. "Can we cut him a break?"
Of course, this all stems from the Green Bay Packers star's choice against getting the jab ... as well as his decision to follow Joe Rogan's instruction to fight COVID-19.
Rodgers has been on the receiving end of hate by a lot of big names -- from Howard Stern to Jon Stewart and even President Joe Biden -- and Aziz mockingly showed sympathy for the MVP in his special.
11/5/21
"People hate that guy," Ansari said. "It's like alright. Calm down!"
"He's a football player! He read some articles, he got skeptical, he did some research. Are you stunned he came to the wrong conclusion?"
He continued ... "This poor guy. It's like we're all in high school and we're making fun of the quarterback for doing bad on the science test."
Aziz calls out Rodgers for trying to pull a quick one in telling reporters he's "immunized" rather than vaccinated ... saying he came off as arrogant.
"He was out there like 'Oh, I'm a critical thinker.'"
"I don't think he's an idiot though, okay?! I don't think him, Nicki Minaj, any of these people are idiots. I just think they're trapped in a different algorithm than you are."
As for Rodgers, he recently spoke out on the backlash he's faced ... saying he's been censored for having a different opinion ... and throwing shade right back at POTUS.
related articles
'RHOSLC' Jennie Nguyen Fired By Bravo!!! ... Following Racist FB Posts
Jennie Nguyen has just gotten the boot from Bravo. The Real Housewives star will no longer be a cast member on the show ... something folks have demanded, after some of her allegedly racist posts started making rounds on social media.
In an Instagram post, the network acknowledged it failed to take action once some of Jennie's offensive posts came to light ... but from here on out, execs say she will NOT be filming on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City".
As you know, the (now former) real housewife came under fire once her Facebook posts from 2020 began to resurface on social media. During the Black Lives Matter protests, Jennie re-shared and posted tons of photos and memes that some folks saw as a direct attack on Black Americans.
The post (above) is just one example. She also reposted and shared posts that mentioned phrases like "BLM Thugs" and "Violent Gangs" ... in other words, mocking the BLM movement.
Other housewives have come out and condemned Jennie's posts and even talk show host Andy Cohen called them very disgusting and upsetting. Now, the network seems to have hopped on that train, canceling the RH star.
related articles
Patrick Mahomes' Fiancée I'm Being 'Attacked' After Bubbly Celly ... I'm A Winner, Haters Are Losers!!!
Patrick Mahomes' fiancée is clapping back at the hate she's gotten for making it rain champagne after the Chiefs' big overtime win ... saying anyone who has an issue with her celebration is a big loser.
Brittany Matthews was criticized by some on social media for uncorking a bottle of bubbly inside her suite and spraying it all over fans at Arrowhead Stadium ... with some pointing out the possibility some spectators may not have wanted to be drenched in alcohol in the freezing temps.
1/23/22
Others also claim that the celly might have been a bit excessive -- despite the game being incredible -- considering it was the divisional round.
Matthews responded to the backlash on Twitter this week ... saying she's sick of being ridiculed for her every move.
"I just wish I could do what I want without getting attacked every week," Matthews said.
When another user replied by saying anyone against the celebration has "clearly never won anything before" ... Brittany replied, "Accurate."
For what it's worth, several members of Chiefs Kingdom came to Brittany's defense ... pointing out she has every right to celebrate how she wants.
The haters will be rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals to upset the Chiefs and send the Mahomeses home without a celebration ... but if that doesn't happen, expect Britt to double down.
related articles
Tyson Fury Blasts 'Coward' Anthony Joshua ... Calls Usyk A P***y
Tyson Fury says Anthony Joshua is scared of him ... labeling the 6'6", 240 lb. superstar boxer from the UK a "coward" who's too shook to fight him.
Oh, and the Gypsy King is also coming for a bunch of other top-level heavyweights ... including Oleksandr Usyk and Dillian Whyte.
The 33-year-old heavyweight champ hit up social media to respond to fans asking him when and who he's fighting next ... and well, Tyson talked his s***!
"I'm being asked this question over and over again. I do not know the answer to it. I'm ready to fight this weekend. I've been training three weeks, how long does a man need to train?" Fury pondered.
"Joshua's a coward, Usyk's a p***y and Dillan Whyte doesn't wanna fight. So, if you can prove me wrong, get to f***king fighting you pair of cowards. You're all cowards! You're all bum duffers! Have a fight or do one you pack of wet lettuces."
Fury, who's coming off an incredible performance against heavyweight star Deontay Wilder, continued going in on the boxers.
"I'm just gonna keep videoing until one of these cowards decide to fight. You're all cowards! S*** house bums! I don't care who I fight -- AJ, Usyk, Dillan Whyte or any of them. Fight me! I'm the best man that's ever lived. These are all coward bum duffers. I'll annihilate the liars and destroyers, submitters, tap you bitches out. Come and fight!"
32-year-old Joshua lost to 35-year-old Usyk by decision in September 2021 (it was a masterful performance) ... and they're currently negotiating a rematch. Fury has been ordered to defend his WBC title against 33-year-old Whyte ... but there are reportedly talks about working out a deal to box Usyk.
Fury hasn't been in the ring since October 9 -- when he KO'd the Bronze Bomber -- and he's clearly champing at the bit to get back in the squared circle.
related articles
Peter Dinklage Slams Woke 'Snow White' Reboot ... Calls it 'Backwards' Story
2:22 PM PT -- Disney has responded, saying "To avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film, we are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community. We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period."
Peter Dinklage thinks Disney going woke for "Snow White" misses the mark entirely -- ‘cause the story itself is offensive, especially toward little people.
The "Game of Thrones" star -- who was born with a form of dwarfism -- slammed the reboot that’s in the works right now ... telling Marc Maron on his podcast that he thinks the Mouse House is being hypocritical and disingenuous.
On the one hand, Dinklage says they’re clearly trying to be progressive by casting Rachel Zegler, who’s Latina, as Snow White ... but by the same token, he explains they’re still making a movie based on a "f**king backwards" story.
PD goes on to mention the fairy tale is, in essence, about seven dwarves who are painted as primitive and mystical creatures, saying they live in a "cave" ... which isn’t quite right (they live in a cottage in the woods) but ya get his point.
Of course, Snow White has also been called ableist over the years ... especially as it relates to Dopey, who’s portrayed as a naive idiot. In fact, all the dwarves are treated as children by SW, both in the movie and the OG fairy tale, which is what Dink’s beef really seems to be about.
He says, "Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soapbox? I guess I’m not loud enough." Seems like he's half-kidding here, but still ... you can tell he's irked by this.
As you may know by now, Dinklage has made a name for himself over the past decade-plus ... turning in award-winning dramatic performances -- and really paving the way for little people to be taken seriously as actors.
Sounds like he thinks Disney is simply out to appease one group of people with their new take on "Snow White," but completely ignoring another ... and coming off as tone-deaf in the process.
Originally Published -- 8:32 AM PT
related articles
Pro Hockey Player Denies Making Racist Gesture ... Towards P.K. Subban's Brother
Pro hockey player Jacob Panetta is apologizing for making a seemingly racist gesture towards Jordan Subban -- the brother of NHL star P.K. Subban -- during a hockey game ... but is adamant he did not have any racial intent behind his actions.
The incident took place on Saturday ... when Panetta of the ECHL's Jacksonville Icemen and Subban of the South Carolina Stingrays were involved in a verbal altercation.
Subban alleges that after he and Panetta exchanged words, Jacob started making monkey gestures towards him once he turned his back. Subban then threw punches at Jacob ... before both men were ultimately separated.
Panetta was suspended indefinitely for the gesture ... and the Icemen released him hours later.
Jacksonville Icemen defenseman Jacob Panetta was released from the team and suspended from the @ECHL after being accused of making racial gestures towards Jordan Subban.
— Ben Ryan (@BenRyanANJax) January 24, 2022 @BenRyanANJax
It happens about 20 seconds into this video. Subban said Panetta made monkey gestures towards him. pic.twitter.com/oN9gQnX4vS
After facing a storm of backlash, Panetta took to social media to release a video explaining his side of the situation.
"I want to reiterate that no racial slurs, noises or anything of the like were said by me during the incident," Panetta said ... explaining he was attempting a bodybuilding motion -- not a racist monkey gesture.
"I did not contemplate at the time that it would be perceived as a racial gesture and I attempted to convey this to Jordan as we were heading to the dressing room during the game."
He continued ... "I see now from Jordan's reaction that he, and others, certainly viewed it as a racial gesture. My actions have caused a great deal of anger and upset to Jordan, his family, and countless others."
Once Jordan's older brother, P.K., got word of the incident ... he quickly condemned Panetta publicly ... and even took a dig at the ECHL league calling it "the jungle."
They don’t call the east coast league the jungle because my brother and the other black players are the monkeys! Hey @jacobpanetta you shouldn’t be so quick delete your Twitter or your Instagram account you will probably be able to play again… that’s what history says but things pic.twitter.com/8zOJ9q47pk
— P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1) January 23, 2022 @PKSubban1
Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen controversy like this in minor league hockey -- Krystof Hrabik was recently suspended 30 games by the AHL for allegedly directing a racist gesture towards Boko Imama ... a Black player on the Tucson Roadrunners.
Panetta apologized for his role in Saturday's incident, saying, "I sincerely apologize for the pain and suffering and anger my actions have caused him, his family, and everyone that was hurt by this."
"I intend to fully participate in the ECHL's ongoing investigation in this matter and I will continue to try and reach out and contact Jordan and the Subban family to express my regret."
related articles
Peloton More Damage Control Thanks to TV ... Our Bikes Are NOT Lethal!!!
Peloton can’t catch a break -- because another TV character had a major health scare on one of their machines.
The fitness company is once again defending itself and clarifying the difference between reality and fiction ... this in the wake of a guy on the show "Billions" having a heart attack while riding a Peloton bike.
The new episode of the Showtime series aired Sunday, and it shows a character -- David Costabile’s Mike Wagner -- caving in on himself during a Peloton ride ... eerily similar to what happened to Chris Noth’s character for the series premiere of “And Just Like That...”
The difference now ... Costabile survives the ordeal onscreen, but Peloton is still in damage control anew -- issuing a statement to assure any current and would-be customers that ... their equipment is safe, and they’re not signing off on their brand being used to knock people off in scripts.
We get TV shows want to include @onepeloton to get people talking, but to be clear, we did *not* agree for our brand or IP to be used on @SHO_Billions or provide any equipment. As the show itself points out, cardio-vascular exercise helps people lead long, happy lives.
— Peloton (@onepeloton) January 23, 2022 @onepeloton
Peloton writes, “We get TV shows want to include @onepeloton to get people talking, but to be clear, we did *not* agree for our brand or IP to be used on @SHO_Billions or provide any equipment.”
They add, “As the show itself points out, cardiovascular exercise helps people lead long, happy lives.”
Of course, this is giving folks deja vu all over again following last month’s Peloton PR crisis -- when they had to scramble to address Mr. Big’s shocking death on ‘AJLT’ ... which they cleverly did, at first, with a funny ad in response that featured the deceased character.
Soon after, though, Noth got accused of sexual assault by a handful of women -- and Peloton yanked the ad altogether, fighting off a fresh round of bad press.
Not a great time to be in the stationary bike biz, it seems. Oof ...