Abe Karpen, a Hasidic Jewish actor, had already started work on "New York I Love You" when he was forced to drop out from playing Natalie Portman's husband in the film. Karpen was receiving death threats from his community leaders, and the backlash had intensified so badly that his family was forced into hiding. Karpen is a married father of three and usually a kitchen cabinet salesman, but he couldn't resist signing up for the opportunity to star alongside Portman in the 12-story film about New York City romance. Before fleeing (yes-- fleeing!) New York, he confirmed that "I am backing out of the movie."

"It's not acceptable in my community," he said of acting. "It's a lot of pressure I am getting. They [the rabbis] didn't like the idea of a Hasidic guy playing in Hollywood. I have my kids in religious schools and the rabbi called me over yesterday and said in order for me to keep my kids in the school I have to do what they tell me and back out."