GLAAD LGBT Board of Directors Exclusive Image - H 2012
Months after stoking controversy with an anti-gay slur — and losing his high-profile Oscars job as a result — Brett Ratner is teaming up with GLAAD to produce and direct a pro-tolerance video campaign with cameos from celebrities, athletes, musicians and politicians.
The Tower Heist director met with the organization this weekend in a sitdown that also brought in producer Brian Grazer and directors Adam Shankman and Bryan Singer, GLAAD said Wednesday. (We’ve posted an exclusive photo from the meeting.)
“Working together with GLAAD has been a very positive and enlightening experience for me, and I could not be more pleased to be developing this crucial campaign to help educate people that we all share the same humanity,” Ratner said. “I am excited to get to work on this program and hope that minds and hearts are opened by what we create.”
Ratner resigned as producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, scheduled for Feb. 26, in November of last year following backlash over his remark in a panel discussion after a Tower Heist screening. He sniped, “rehearsal is for f-gs.”
Ratner continued the disparaging remarks in a subsequent interview on Howard Stern‘s Sirius radio show, wherein he dragged actress Olivia Munn’s name into a TMI discussion about his sexcapades.
Ratner’s commentary drew widespread criticism from humanitarian groups and beyond, forcing him to issue an apology and drop out of the Oscars. Grazer replaced him as producer.
STORY: 5 Things To Know About Brian Grazer
“Over the last few days, I’ve gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances,” he said at the time. “To them, and to everyone I’ve hurt and offended, I’d like to apologize publicly and unreservedly.”
His campaign for GLAAD will feature the famous folks involved sharing personal stories about why and how they support the LGBT community, urging Americans to follow suit.
“Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people are respected and supported,” said Herndon Graddick, GLAAD’s senior director of programs and communications. “We look forward to working with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers.”
