Hollywood star Brad Pitt is not happy with a group dubbed “Super Happy Fun America” using his name and likeness to promote a Boston-area “Straight Pride Parade.” The actor has reportedly threatened legal action against the group for declaring him its “mascot.”
A source confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that “Pitt has made it clear to the small group of Boston men planning a ‘Straight Pride’ parade they must stop using the actor’s name and likeness for their purposes.”
Additionally, sources close to Pitt told TMZ that “his team has reached out to the Straight Pride Parade organizers, demanding they stop using his name and likeness for their event,” a report said. “If they don’t do it soon … we’re told further action could be taken.”
“The Straight Community has adopted Brad Pitt as our mascot! Congratulations to Mr. Pitt for being the face of this important civil rights movement,” the site said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Straight Rights are Human Rights!”
The site has since been changed, redacting Pitt’s name and stripping a photo of the actor being fought over by exes Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. The site, donning a “It’s great to be straight” tagline, altered their post as follows:
“The Straight Community has adopted [Redacted] as our mascot! Congratulations to [Redacted] for being the face of this important civil rights movement. Straight Rights are Human Rights!”
The proposed Straight Pride Parade is set for sometime in August, though the exact day is yet to be determined.
“Super Happy Fun America invites you to celebrate the diverse history, culture, and contributions of the straight community!” the site advertises. “The Straight Pride Event will be held to achieve inclusivity and spread awareness of issues impacting straights in Greater Boston and beyond. It will be a one-day event consisting of a parade followed by a flag raising ceremony. Celebrate being heterosexual!”
According to Super Happy Fun America, the City of Boston rejected the group’s application to fly a “straight pride flag” at city hall.
The administration of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh “is not yet committed to creating a supportive environment for straights and equality for all,” the site says. “We will continue to educate the Mayor and the public in anticipation that one day straights will be able to celebrate their lifestyle like everyone else. What better way to educate and foster unity than by having a parade!”
“Come on, I don’t know what this straight pride parade is all about,” Mayor Walsh said when asked about the proposed parade, reported CBS. “I know that we have a pride parade on Saturday and that’s what I’m going to march in.”
“Every year, Boston hosts our annual Pride Week, where our city comes together to celebrate the diversity, strength and acceptance of our LGBTQ community,” he told The Washington Post. “This is a special week that represents Boston’s values of love and inclusion, which are unwavering. I encourage everyone to join us in celebration this Saturday for the Pride Parade and in the fight for progress and equality for all.”