Vue reveals it pulled gang film Blue Story after 25 incidents at 16 cinemas

Cinema chain Vue has revealed that it made the decision to pull gang film Blue Story after 25 ‘significant’ incidents at 16 separate cinemas over the weekend.
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The chain cancelled showings at its Doncaster and Meadowhall venues – and the cancellation came after a 100 strong machete brawl at an entertaiment complex in Birmingham which saw seven police officers injured and five teenagers arrested.

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Police called to Sheffield cinema over fighting at gang film Blue Story screenin...

Vue has banned the film from its 91 UK and Ireland venues and Showcase has also dropped the movie.

Vue has cancelled screenings of Blue Story.Vue has cancelled screenings of Blue Story.
Vue has cancelled screenings of Blue Story.
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In a statement, Vue said the film opened in 60 of its sites across the UK and Ireland on Friday.

"But during the first 24 hours of the film over 25 significant incidents were reported and escalated to senior management in 16 separate cinemas," it said.

"This is the biggest number we have ever seen for any film in a such a short time frame."

The film's writer and director, Andrew Onwubolu, said the disturbance was "truly unfortunate" and he hoped it was not an "indictment" of the movie.

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In an Instagram post on Sunday, the rapper-turned-filmmaker wrote: "Sending love to all those involved in yesterday's violence at Star City in Birmingham.

"It's truly unfortunate that a small group of people can ruin things for everybody.

"Blue Story is a film about love not violence.

"I hope that the blame is placed with the individuals and not an indictment of the film itself.

"I pray that we can all learn to live with love and treat each other with tolerance and respect."

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The Vue chain has stressed the decision to pull the film was prompted only because of the risk of further violent incidents.

"This decision is not, as some have alleged, based on biased assumptions or concern about the content of the film itself," it said.