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Major film studios pull new movies from Russia as more artists cancel gigs 

Major media companies and film distributors Warner Bros, Disney and Sony have stopped the release of new upcoming films in Russian cinemas, following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Upcoming movies such as The Batman from Warner Bros, Turning Red from Disney and Marvel film Morbius from Sony will not be released in Russia as planned.

The Batman was set to be released in the country on Friday.

A spokesperson told the BBC: “In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film ‘The Batman’ in Russia.”

The Walt Disney Company was more scathing with its statement announcing the delay of Pixar film, Turning Red.

A spokesperson said: “Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Turning Red from Pixar.

“We will make future business decisions based on the evolving situation. In the meantime, given the scale of the emerging refugee crisis, we are working with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.”

Former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and band Franz Ferdinand have pulled their tour dates in Russia.

Tomlinson was due to play at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall in July. He has also cancelled his Kyiv performance.

Glasgow band Franz Ferdinand were due to play in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but announced the cancellation on Twitter.

In sport, Russian football clubs and national teams have been suspended from all FIFA and UEFA competitions.

The world and European football governing bodies made the announcement yesterday (Monday) after FIFA came under fire for not implementing an outright ban on Russia competing in its tournaments.

FIFA had instead prevented Russia from playing at home and had taken away its right to play under the Russian flag, suggesting the team competed under the ‘Football Union of Russia’ (RFU).

UEFA has also ended its partnership with Russian energy company Gazprom with immediate effect.

You can read the full story on our sister site TheStadiumBusiness.com.

English Premier League club Manchester United has also terminated its sponsorship deal with Russia’s national airline Aeroflot. German Bundesliga 2 club Schalke has also ended its association with Gazprom.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has further reiterated its stance after it recommended that international sports federations and event organisers should not allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

In a statement, the IOC said that the conflict had presented a “dilemma” as not allowing Russian athletes to compete could be considered unfair as they are not directly involved in the decisions of their governments.

The Executive Board of the IOC ultimately reached the conclusion that because of the war inflicted on Ukraine would also prevent Ukrainian athletes from competing in sports, no events should be held in Russia or Belarus, and no athletes from these countries should be invited or allowed to participate.

Live entertainment and venue management company ASM Global has also condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement issued to sister site TheStadiumBusiness.com, ASM Global said:  “ASM Global stands with the people of Ukraine and condemns Russia’s actions. We fervently support a community’s right to freedom.  Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, their families and loved ones all around the globe.”

Image: ActionVance on Unsplash

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