Michael Jackson Bit Cut from ‘Bruno’

Published by Jeff Leins on: June 26th, 2009

After the shocking death of Michael Jackson yesterday, Universal Pictures has decided to cut a scene from Sacha Baron Cohen’s controversial comedy Brüno.  The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed it will be removed from the theatrical release on July 10 out of “sensitivity for the family.”

The scene cut from the film involves an interview between Cohen (in character as Bruno) and LaToya Jackson, the older sister of the now deceased King of Pop.  Bruno jokes with her about Michael’s high-pitched voice, the single white glove, and pretends to steal his cell phone number.  The bit ends with LaToya storming out.

Universal’s decision was made and implemented just hours before the Los Angeles premiere last night.  The scene has been shown in previous screenings of the film, including several overseas debuts.

“We decided to take it out for tonight, and we’ll reassess before the release whether to keep it out,” said director Larry Charles at the premiere’s afterparty Thursday.  However, the decision was made Friday afternoon to pull any jokes directed at the Jackson family.  The movie will now cut from an interview with Paula Abdul to a focus group on his fake reality show.  Prints for the theatrical release have not been made or shipped, according to the studio.