Acura Apologizes for Seeking 'Not Too Dark' Black Actor for Seinfeld Super Bowl Ad

Acura apologized Wednesday after it was revealed that the luxury carmaker sought a "not too dark" black actor for its Super Bowl ad with Jerry Seinfeld.

The ad features Seinfeld attempting to barter for the first new Acura NSX, offering the famed "Soup Nazi," among other things.

TMZ had posted the casting sheet earlier in the day, which it said it obtained from a disgruntled actor who didn't fit the profile and was passed over for the role. The name of the role was "African American car dealer" and the document specified he be "nice looking, friendly. Not too dark."

In a statement, Acura apologized to anyone "offended by the language on the casting sheet" but insisted it made their selection "based on the fact that he was the most talented actor":

We apologize to anyone offended by the language on the casting sheet used in the selection of actors for one of our commercials.

We sought to cast an African-American in a prominent role in the commercial, and we made our selection based on the fact that he was the most talented actor.

The casting sheet was only now brought to our attention. We are taking appropriate measures to ensure that such language is not used again in association with any work performed on behalf of our brand.

As USA Today pointed out, the spot -- considered a success -- was Acura's first Super Bowl commercial and was created by its ad agency, RP&, a division of the Santa Monica, Calif.-based RPA.

See the casting sheet below: