Winona Ryder has discussed the controversy surrounding The Dilemma’s negative use of the word ‘gay’ in the trailer for Ron Howard’s rom-com, after Howard insisted this weekend that the line would stay in the film.

The line “electric cars are gay” was removed from early Dilemma trailers, after the use of the word in a negative context was deemed offensive, causing outcry from gay rights groups and celebrities alike.

But Ryder told Total Film:

“[The controversy] is really crazy because I know the context in the scene. I didn’t even know that there was a scandal, until I went in for looping and I talked to Ron [Howard].

“You know it’s just crazy because I’m very sensitive to that issue and if I thought something was offensive I wouldn’t want to be a part of it. Plus all my gay friends use that word all the time!”

The Dilemma is released in 2011

Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny (Vaughn) and happily married Nick (James) have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. With Ronny’s girlfriend, Beth (Connelly), and Nick’s wife, Geneva (Ryder), by their sides, they’re unbeatable. But Ronny’s world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend.

The official first trailer is right down below. “The Dilemma” slides it’s way into theaters everywhere on January 14th, 2011.

Edit: Added HQ screencaptures.