Paris 'Barbie' Screening Cancelled After Minority Protests Film’s “LGBT Advocacy”

A planned outdoor showing of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in Noisy-le-Sec, a suburb northeast of Paris, was called off at the last minute after local officials received threats from a small group of individuals who alleged the film “advocates homosexuality” and “insults the integrity of women” . The screening, scheduled for August 8, was part of Noisy-le-Sec’s summer tradition of free, open-air cinema, with “Barbie” selected by a public vote of local residents .

According to Mayor Olivier Sarrabeyrouse, approximately 10 to 15 people gathered at municipal offices, issuing threats to “take everything down and put an end to your session.” Municipal workers reported feeling endangered and faced threats of equipment sabotage, leading the mayor to cancel the event to protect both staff and the public .

Mayor Sarrabeyrouse publicly condemned the actions of what he described as “an extreme minority of thugs,” asserting that they had “not even seen the film” but had transformed a community event into a “violent opposition movement” . The mayor emphasized that “Barbie is a film for all audiences, which has never been banned in France,” and expressed regret that the screening was derailed by a “small group from the neighborhood mobilized under pressure from an individual” .

The cancellation has fueled broader national discussions in France. Culture Minister Rachida Dati criticized the decision on social media, arguing that such cancellations deny families and children access to cultural activities and reflect a troubling trend of intimidation and censorship . Meanwhile, some commentators suggested the threats were linked to fundamentalist religious beliefs, though the mayor refuted suggestions that a specific community was responsible .

“Barbie,” released in 2023, stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and features several prominent LGBTQ+ actors, including Hari Nef and Kate McKinnon. However, the film itself contains minimal LGBTQ+ storylines, centering instead on Barbie’s journey of self-discovery . Despite this, opponents have targeted the film for allegedly promoting LGBTQ+ values, echoing similar bans and censorship in countries such as Kuwait, Algeria, and Lebanon .

LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in France and across Europe have expressed concern at the precedent set by the cancellation. “This is not just about a film; it’s about the ability of LGBTQ+ people and their allies to participate in public life without fear of intimidation,” said a spokesperson from Inter-LGBT, a leading French LGBTQ+ rights organization . The incident is seen by many as part of a broader pattern of cultural events being targeted by small but vocal groups opposed to LGBTQ+ visibility.

In response to the threats and subsequent cancellation, Mayor Sarrabeyrouse filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons responsible for the intimidation . He also indicated that the town hall is seeking to reschedule the “Barbie” screening as soon as is reasonably possible, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to cultural openness and inclusion .

The incident has prompted calls from across the political spectrum for stronger protections for cultural events and greater support for LGBTQ+ inclusion. As France continues to grapple with issues of diversity, integration, and freedom of expression, the cancellation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities striving for acceptance and equality in public spaces.