Many people were aghast last week when fashion house Valentino used Philip Seymour Hoffman's funeral as an occasion to promote one of their handbags — but perhaps no one more so than the late actor's friend Amy Adams, who was singled out in the company's press release. After the brand sent a P.R. email highlighting the American Hustle star's Valentino Garavani Rockstud Double bag, Adams' rep quickly spoke out about the major faux pas.
"Amy Adams is not a paid spokesperson for Valentino, and the suggestion she would use this moment to participate in a promotion is truly appalling," her rep told The New York Post's Page Six.
A spokesperson for Valentino also emphasized that the Oscar nominee had no role in the poorly timed promotion. In a statement to the Post, Mona Swanson apologized for the tasteless media blitz, calling the original email an "innocent mistake."
"We sincerely regret releasing a photo to the media this morning of Amy Adams with a Valentino bag," Swanson said. "We were not aware the photograph was taken while she was attending the wake of Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was an innocent mistake, and we apologize to Ms. Adams, who was not aware, or a part of, our P.R. efforts."
Adams was among several stars who gathered in New York City on Friday, Feb. 7, to pay tribute to Hoffman, who was found dead at age 46 on Feb. 2. Also in attendance at the funeral were Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix, Meryl Streep, Justin Theroux, and Michelle Williams. Click here for more photos of Adams.
