A number of events and tourist attractions, some of them with ties to Hollywood, have been closed and canceled in Paris in wake of the city-wide terror attacks that struck the French capital on Friday, leaving at least 120 dead and hundreds more injured.
French President Francois Hollande announced three days of national mourning following the horrific terror attacks, which are the deadliest to hit France since World War II, and has declared a state of emergency across the country.
Hollande asserted Friday’s attacks “were committed by a terrorist army, the Islamic State group, a jihadist army, against France, against the values that we defend everywhere in the world, against what we are: A free country that means something to the whole planet.”
The French premiere and press events for Natalie Portman’s latest film, Jane Got a Gun, have been canceled, according to The Hollywood Reporter, as well as the premiere of Steven Spielberg’s Cold War drama, Bridge of Spies.
“In light of the tragedy in Paris, we have canceled our scheduled film events. Further, we stand with the people of Paris and our thoughts go out to all those affected by these horrible events,” Fox said in a statement to THR.
Irish rock band U2 was scheduled to play a concert in Paris on Saturday, but canceled the show on Friday night.
“As a result of the ongoing state of emergency across France, the U2 Paris concert scheduled for 14th November will not be going ahead as planned,” reads a statement on the band’s website. “Live Nation, along with HBO who were due to live broadcast the Saturday concert, are fully resolved to go ahead with this show at an appropriate time.”
The band said:
We watched in disbelief and shock at the unfolding events in Paris and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families across the city tonight. We are devastated at the loss of life at the Eagles of Death Metal concert and our thoughts and prayers are with the band and their fans. And we hope and pray that all of our fans in Paris are safe.
The 7th State of the World and Cinema festival has also canceled its Saturday events following the attacks. The festival, which opened Friday evening and is scheduled to run until Nov. 22, has called off its Vanessa Redgrave masterclass feature.
Two of Paris’s most popular arthouse theaters, Luxour and The Forum des Images, announced they would remain closed on Saturday, as well as Disneyland Paris.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by these horrible events,” Disney said on its website.
Hollande said France “will be merciless toward the barbarians of Islamic State group,” and it “will act by all means anywhere, inside or outside the country.”
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.