New York Times Critic Ben Brantley Responds to James Franco's Jab

Directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, the new Broadway production of Of Mice and Men officially opened last night, April 16, 2014 at the Longacre Theatre, to mostly positive reviews from the critics.

But James Franco, who stars as George in the play, wasn't satisfied with a review by The New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley. Franco wrote a comment about the review from his official Instagram account (which has since been removed), which was captured by Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson (below).

Franco wrote: "Sadly Ben Brantley and the NYT have embarrassed themselves. Brantley is such a little bitch he should be working for Gawker.com instead of the paper of record. The theatre community hate him, and for good reason, he's an idiot."

Now, Brantley has responded to Franco's remarks. He told the New York Observer: "I like Franco's work on film a lot, and he didn't disgrace himself on stage. I hope he returns to Broadway some day. And of course he's entitled to say whatever he likes about me, as long as it's not libelous, and somehow I don't think 'little bitch' qualifies."

Click here to check out BroadwayWorld's full review roundup.

Of Mice and Men, one of the greatest and most enduring American classics, has not been seen on Broadway in 40 years. Adapted from his own classic novel, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is an essential adventure, an inspirational portrait of the American spirit and a heartbreaking testament to the bonds of friendship.