The upcoming Barbie movie by Warners Bros features a map that has been described by the company as a “child-like crayon drawing” and has no particular significance. This statement came in response to Vietnam’s decision to ban the film due to its belief that the map shows the contested South China Sea region.
The Barbie movie recently stirred controversy in Vietnam and the Philippines due to its depiction of a map that includes China’s “nine-dash line”. This line represents China’s assertion of ownership over a large portion of the South China Sea, which is opposed by several Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam.As per reports, the studio defended the map and published a statement. They said, “The map in Barbie Land is a whimsical, child-like crayon drawing. The doodles depict Barbie’s make-believe journey from Barbie Land to the real world. It was not intended to make any type of statement.”
Local media in Vietnam reported that the release of Barbie, which was scheduled for 21 July, has been cancelled. Additionally, movie distributors have removed posters advertising the film from their websites.
Some senators in the Philippines have suggested either a ban on Barbie or the inclusion of a disclaimer to address concerns about the film’s depiction of the map. The Philippines’ Movie and Television Review and Classification Board is currently reviewing the film.
Barbie stars an ensemble cast of Margot Robbie, Kate McKinnon, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Hari Nef, Issa Rae and Simu Liu. The film will be released on July 21 in the cinemas.
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