Italian distributor, BIM Distribuzione, has apologized for '12 Years A Slave' posters that only featured Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender

The Italian Distributor of 12 Years A Slave, BIM Distribuzione, has now apologized and recalled posters that were distributed to advertise the film. The posters featured actors Brad Pitt (who only appears briefly and is a producer) and Michael Fassbender (who has a supporting role) instead of the film's lead actor Chiwetel Ejiofor.

BIM said the posters were "inconsistent" with approved advertising and that "all inappropriate materials have now been withdrawn."

The posters stirred up major media criticism; some saying the posters were racist. "We are very proud of the film and regret any distraction this incident may have caused," BIM said.

According to Italian media reports, the posters have been changed to now highlight Ejiofor, the star of the film who plays slave Solomon Northup in the praised Steve McQueen film.

Sales agent Lionsgate's Summit said earlier in the week that producers and licensors of the film did not approve or authorize the posters used in Italy. "Summit Entertainment, acting as exclusive sales agent for the licensors, is investigating and taking immediate action to stop the distribution of any unauthorized posters and to have those posters currently in the marketplace recalled," it had said.

The film is being distributed by Fox Searchlight in North America. 12 Years A Slave has been nominated for many awards, with seven Golden Globe nominations, including Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for Ejiofor and Best Director - Motion Picture for McQueen. The film has also received four nominations for the SAG Awards.