Women Against Leonardo

The American organisation NOW - the National Organization for Women - has denounced the decision to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as the title character in the movie version of American Psycho. The organisation urged a boycott of Bret Easton Ellis' novel when it was published in 1991. Elizabeth Toledo, NOW Vice President, said in a statement, "His public persona, attached to a very violent film of this nature, could have a disturbing effect on teenagers and other fans." She went on to say, "No matter who is the lead, this film would be disturbing, but having an actor that attracts a very young, impressionable audience poses extra risks ... It's irresponsible and also lazy for Hollywood to continue to rely on sexual violence for entertainment." Lions Gate Films President Mike Paseornek responded, "We think that before anyone condemns American Psycho they should let us make the movie, and then watch it." He called NOW's statement "pre-emptive censorship".