US Couples Retreat poster and UK Couples Retreat poster

The makers of the recent Vince Vaughn hit comedy, Couples Retreat, are at the centre of a race controversy after two black actors were airbrushed from publicity posters in the UK.

The American advert for the film, which stars Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Kristin Davis, shows all eight of the movie's principal actors, including Faizon Love and Kali Hawk (see poster above on the left). But both Love and Hawk were removed from the promotional campaign (poster on the right) ahead of the film's British release last month.
US Couples Retreat poster and UK Couples Retreat poster

The makers of the recent Vince Vaughn hit comedy, Couples Retreat, are at the centre of a race controversy after two black actors were airbrushed from publicity posters in the UK.

The American advert for the film, which stars Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Kristin Davis, shows all eight of the movie's principal actors, including Faizon Love and Kali Hawk (see poster above on the left). But both Love and Hawk were removed from the promotional campaign (poster on the right) ahead of the film's British release last month.

Couples Retreat, which has currently taken over $70 million at the worldwide box office, tells the story of four couples who go on holiday together and receive therapy to improve their relationships.

A spokesman for the film's makers, Universal Pictures, confirmed the poster had been changed to 'to simplify the poster to actors who are most recognisable in international markets'. The studio said it regretted causing offence and has now abandoned plans to use the revised poster in other countries.