THE director of hit movie Pride has defended the US cover of the DVD version of the film — which deleted all references to the theme of homosexuality.

Wording and imagery on the cover was changed for the US release, including the removal of references to the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group.

Speaking on BBC radio, director Matthew Warchus said: “I think someone in the marketing department in the US used their marketing judgement to try to remove any barrier to the widest possible audience.

“It’s clumsily done but I understand it and it’s a valid instinct.”

The film tells the story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who are determined to do their bit to help striking miners in Thatcher’s Britain. 

Despite encountering resistance on both sides, they develop a moving bond with a pit community in south Wales.