Actor claims genitals shrunk on poster

LONDON, March 4 (UPI) -- A performer whose nude image appears on a promotional poster for London's Royal Opera House claims the photo was altered to shrink his genitals.

Actor Juan Pablo di Pace, 28, whose picture has appeared on billboards and flyers since he appeared in the chorus of Verdi's Rigoletto in 2001, claims the 2005 poster for the show was altered to shrink his penis, The Daily Telegraph reported Tuesday.

Di Pace, who starred in BBC Scotland soap opera "River City" after leaving the Opera House, said he also objects to the continuing usage of his photograph despite the fact that he no longer performs at the venue.

A Royal Opera House spokesman said management is discussing the matter with the actor, but he defended the ongoing use of the picture.

"It's standard practice to take promotional photos," the spokesman said. "And this was a very striking image."