The City of Toronto has removed 38 "Goon" movie posters deeming to be unfit for public consumption, according to Alliance Films.
A spokesperson for Alliance says the outdoor advertisements on bus shelters featuring Canadian actor Jay Baruchel were "gesturing in a way that the city believes is inappropriate."
The ad features Baruchel sticking out his tongue in between his fingers -- which some may deem sexually suggestive or just a wild rocker having fun. Alliance Films says the posters have been up for two weeks and were removed on Wednesday.
Two weeks ago, "The Artist" star Jean Dujardin was under fire in France for a movie poster depicting the actor holding a woman's legs open with the tagline, "I'm going to a meeting," according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film "The Players," also features a similar ad with the tagline, "It's going to cut out. I'm entering a tunnel."
"Goon" director Mike Dowse says the ads weren't meant to be offensive. "I question whether this has to do with Jay's tongue or his ability to burn Maple Leafs' jerseys, neither of which are offensive in any way."
However, at the movie's red carpet premier in Toronto, Schreiber told the Toronto Star he could see why the posters were taken down. "Having two small children myself, I can appreciate somebody being offended or not wanting that out there on the streets."
With files from the Canadian Press
