AceShowbiz - David Schwimmer has lost a battle to lower the restrictive age rating for his controversial new film "Trust". The former "Friends" star has stepped behind the camera to direct the harrowing movie about a teenager lured to a motel for sex by an online predator. The actor/director was incensed when movie regulators in America slapped the film with an R-rating, meaning viewers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Schwimmer appealed the decision and spoke out about the "double standard" of the rating system, insisting the "old" rules need updating. But officials at the Motion Picture Association ratings board have now rejected the star's appeal and maintained "Trust" 's R-rating, citing the movie's "disturbing material involving the rape of a teen, language, sexual content and some violence" for the decision, according to EW.com.

The movie stars Clive Owen and Catherine Keener among other actors.