Vietnam Bars Barbie Movie Over Map Dispute: Vietnam's Culture Ministry revoked the Barbie movie's release permission due to a world map in the film resembling China's contested "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea.
Image Controversy: Vietnam interpreted the map as a depiction of China's territorial claim, sparking international disagreement and tensions.
Official Announcement: On July 3, a Vietnamese state newspaper reported the movie's ban, citing the map as the reason, as reported by Reuters.
Map's Innocent Purpose: Warner Bros. clarified that the map was a whimsical representation of Barbie's journey without any political intention.
China's Asserted Claim: China historically used the "nine-dash line," though a 2016 international court ruling invalidated the claim.
Ken's Character Clarification: Margot Robbie addressed speculation about Ken's sexual orientation, noting that characters in Barbie Land, including Ken, are dolls and lack orientations.
Release Challenges: Saudi Arabia and the UAE postponed the film's release, possibly requiring edits to meet local regulations.
Algeria's Ban: Algeria banned the film over concerns of homosexuality promotion and cultural differences.
Worldwide Availability: Despite controversies and bans, the Barbie movie is accessible in U.S. theaters, inviting audiences into Barbie's imaginative realm.