Exhibition of Barbie in France postponed due to threats received - "Barbie" exhibition in France axed due to menacing warnings
Outdoor Screening of "Barbie" Cancelled Due to Local Youth Threats
The outdoor screening of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" in the suburb of Paris, Noisy-le-Sec, was abruptly cancelled last Friday due to threats from a group of local teenagers. The youths opposed the event, claiming that the film promotes homosexuality and is an attack on women’s integrity [1][2].
Mayor Olivier Sarrabeyrouse expressed regret over the cancellation, referring to the protesters as an "aggressive minority" or "extreme minority of thugs" who likely had not even seen the film. He dismissed the claims about the film promoting homosexuality as false and insisted that "Barbie" has never been banned in France [1][2][4].
The screening was part of the summer open-air cinema program in the Londeau neighborhood and had been chosen through a public vote involving 214 residents, with "Barbie" receiving significant support [1]. Despite this democratic selection, about 10 to 15 youths aggressively confronted city staff, threatening to destroy equipment and physically preventing the screening from proceeding [1][2][4].
The incident sparked a broader political controversy, with some opposition politicians suggesting the event highlighted social tensions and rebellion against local authority, while others viewed it as an example of fundamentalist pressures influencing cultural events in the region [1][3][4]. The Bobigny Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation into the threats, violence, and intimidation associated with the cancellation [3][4].
"Barbie," a colourful satire, is an American film directed by Greta Gerwig. It tells the story of the iconic doll Barbie and Ken temporarily leaving their home of Barbieland for the real world. The film was released in 2023 and was a global success.
Mayor Sarrabeyrouse condemned the actions, announcing he would file a police complaint and vowing not to give in to intimidation [1][2][4]. The French Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, also condemned the cancellation, announcing legal action regarding the incident [2].
In summary, the cancellation of the "Barbie" screening was a result of threats from a local group of teenagers who opposed the film. The incident highlighted underlying political and social tensions, resulting in an official investigation. The film "Barbie" was a free outdoor cinema event in France, chosen democratically through a public vote. Despite the cancellation, the film continues to be celebrated worldwide.
[1] Le Parisien, "La projection de Barbie à Noisy-le-Sec annulée après des menaces de violence," 8 August 2025. [2] France Info, "La culture ministre Rachida Dati dénonce l'annulation de la projection de Barbie," 8 August 2025. [3] Le Monde, "La projection de Barbie à Noisy-le-Sec: une enquête ouverte pour menaces et intimidation," 9 August 2025. [4] Europe 1, "La projection de Barbie à Noisy-le-Sec: le maire dénonce un groupe d'agresseurs," 8 August 2025.
The Commission could adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation in response to the political controversy surrounding the cancellation of the "Barbie" screening, which falls under the category of general-news and crime-and-justice. The protesting youths, who threatened violence and prevented the outdoor screening, might find themselves facing legal consequences in the investigation opened by the Bobigny Public Prosecutor's Office.
