Luxury automaker Acura has apologized for the "language" used in a casting call for their Super Bowl ad featuring Jerry Seinfeld that specified they didn't want a black actor who was "too dark" in the description. Nowhere in their apology do they seem to offer a mea culpa for wanting a light-skinned actor, just for stating it that way.
The casting call apparently came from a disgruntled actor who didn't get the part because, he felt, of profiling by advertising firm rp&, which produced the spot for Acura.
It's worth noting if you go the "people" page for rp& you see no one who appears African-American (there's a photo of a black person from an ad who looks like he was just shot). However, if you go to the page you will notice their news section is full of angry tweets about their questionable practices.
In their apology Acura states they're sorry for offending anyone with their "language" but not their attitude, and insist they merely sought an African-American for a prominent role and chose who they chose because he was the most talented.
Acura Statement RE: Casting Call
We apologize to anyone offended by the language on the casting sheet used in the selection of actors for one of our commercials.We sought to cast an African-American in a prominent role in the commercial, and we made our selection based on the fact that he was the most talented actor.
The casting sheet was only now brought to our attention. We are taking appropriate measures to ensure that such language is not used again in association with any work performed on behalf of our brand.
Anyone in there hear an apology for favoring a light-skinned black actor? Not us. Someone get SHIELD on this!