Barbie screening canceled in Paris after protests by Muslim group
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, the screening of Barbie was halted in the suburbs of Paris following protests by a group of Muslims. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film was released two years ago and grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide.
The Telegraph reported that the screening in Seine-Saint-Denis, a largely immigrant suburb, was canceled. The mayor stated that the decision was made to “protect” municipal officials who had been threatened by a group of young men.
The mayor said the group threatened to damage the screening equipment and argued that Barbie “promotes homosexuality” and “undermines women’s modesty.” He has filed a complaint against them, condemning their “obscurantism and fundamentalism,” while also accusing right-wing politicians of exploiting the conflict.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati reacted to the cancellation, saying she would refer the matter to prosecutors: “This is another serious attack depriving children and families of cultural activities.”
Yoann Gillet, a member of the National Rally party, also denounced the decision, calling it “a serious mistake” and “a surrender to an Islamist ideology.”
Barbie is rated PG in France. Its screenings have been banned in Kuwait, Algeria, Lebanon, and Vietnam. While the film features several gay and transgender actors, it does not explicitly reference homosexuality in any of its scenes.
