LOS ANGELES, April 25 (UPI) -- Universal Pictures has apologized to actor Sean Penn for using a sponsor logo in a print ad for the new movie "The Interpreter."
The apology that ran in Friday's Los Angeles Times was highly unusual, Daily Variety reported Monday. In the apology, Universal referred to the ad it ran for "The Interpreter" April 16, which featured a logo for T-Mobile cellular phone and offered moviegoers a chance to win a T-Mobile phone as part of the promotion for the movie's premier.
"Sean Penn was not consulted about this advertisement as is required in his agreement with the film's production company, Working Title," said the apology. "Universal Pictures regrets this oversight."
Variety said the incident provided a "rare glimpse into the minutiae of big stars' contracts." The paper said Universal, Working Title and Penn's talent agency all declined to comment.
"The Interpreter" opened at No. 1 at the U.S. box office this weekend, taking in an estimated $22.8 million.
