Jackson Death Causes Bruno Cut

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The death of Michael Jackson "forced a last-minute cut to Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno," according to the Guardian's Xan Brooks. As the news of Jackson's passing broke, a scene in which Cohen interviews the singer's sister, LaToya "was hastily removed from the film" for last night's premiere screening, he reports. "Sources at Universal, Bruno's distributor, said the decision had been made 'out of respect for Jackson's family.'"

Ten minutes ago I asked Universal publicity if the LaToya footage would be permanently cut. Their response, received at 11 am LA time, was that they "can't offer comment just yet."

The offending scene, as Brooks explains, "features Cohen, in the guise of Bruno, attempting to find Michael Jackson's phone number on LaToya's BlackBerry. After Bruno reads aloud what he claims to be the singer's number, an apparently enraged LaToya terminates the interview and storms off the set. Reports suggest that the scene will not be restored for its official release on July 10th."

I've seen the scene and it's very mild. It doesn't slag Michael Jackson -- it merely pokes fun at his worldwide fame. LaToya is made fun of but who cares about that? I wouldn't cut it if I were Universal. Stick to your satirical guns, guys! Stand with Sacha and let the Jacksons eat cake. Why be extra-sensitive about a super-popular and super-talented performer who nonetheless became a full-fledged Frankenstein monster who had his way with young boys?

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on June 26, 2009 at 10:40 AM

comment #1

Stringer Bell says ...

Judging by the photo above, it looks like Michael is indeed alive and not so well.

Posted by Stringer Bell at June 26, 2009 10:57 AM

comment #2

Rod32303 says ...

because the scene doesn't mean anything and is not a highlight of the picture, and because they have class? That would be a good reason. There are as many valid reasons for having a different opinion than yours, (as Universal does) and it doesn't mean they are pussies because they decide to have some class about this.

Surprised at your "let the Jacksons eat cake" as you have suffered a family loss that was devastating to you. No matter the freak show he became to the world, no doubt he was still a beloved son, as least from the mother's point of view, and, by all indications, a beloved brother to his siblings.

Posted by Rod32303 at June 26, 2009 11:03 AM

comment #3

p.Vice says ...

I expect every HE poster who throws down Fuck Yous and Insensitive Cunts at anyone who dares to make jokes at a dead person's expense to fully and vocally endorse this move by Universal.

Posted by p.Vice at June 26, 2009 11:03 AM

comment #4

Stringer Bell says ...

I would never condone child molestation whatsoever, but the Rich & Famous in Hollywood is filled to the rim with sick, perverted people in every nook and cranny there is.

R Kelly is one example. There are 100s, if not 1000s of the R&F who qualify as well.

Posted by Stringer Bell at June 26, 2009 11:09 AM

comment #5

btwnproductions says ...

Oh, brother--but with Michael Jackson's phone number permanently disconnected, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense now to leave it in.

Posted by btwnproductions at June 26, 2009 11:18 AM

comment #6

Rob Ross says ...

CNN is reporting that Michael Jackson died from eating 3 year old wieners and 9 year old nuts.

Strange thing is, that's never even made actionman sick.

Posted by Rob Ross at June 26, 2009 11:27 AM

comment #7

crazynine says ...

In related news, LaToya Jackson was put down today in a decision made "out of respect for Jackson's family."

Posted by crazynine at June 26, 2009 11:40 AM

comment #8

Jeffrey Wells says ...

Funny.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells at June 26, 2009 12:34 PM

comment #9

/3rtfu11 says ...

I hope the scene never makes to home video.

Posted by /3rtfu11 at June 26, 2009 1:57 PM

comment #10

/3rtfu11 says ...

I hope the scene never makes it to home video.

Posted by /3rtfu11 at June 26, 2009 1:58 PM

comment #11

free games says ...

CNN is reporting that Michael Jackson died from eating 3 year old wieners and 9 year old nuts.

Posted by free games at November 3, 2009 2:59 AM

comment #12

Krish says ...

Jackson's death was pretty disturbing News. I think it was a wise decision to make the last minute edit.

Posted by Krish at February 4, 2010 10:04 AM

comment #13

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comment #14