Jacko jokes cut from 'Bruno' premier

HOLLYWOOD, June 27 (UPI) -- Hollywood studio executives say they are discussing cutting a scene in the new comedy "Bruno" that relates to Michael Jackson.

The Hollywood Reporter said Saturday that the film made several jokes at the expense of Jackson, which were removed from the version that was premiered only hours after his death on Thursday.

Universal Pictures said the scene was cut out of sensitivity to Jackson's family and a decision would be made later on whether or not to drop it from the version being released to theaters.

"We'll reassess before the release whether to keep it out," said director Larry Charles.

The Hollywood Reporter said the Jackson scenes had been in the version shown to movie critics and were deemed to be not particularly offensive. The scene involved Sacha Baron Cohen's flamboyant "Bruno" character talking with Jackson's sister, LaToya, about topics including his trademark glove and high-pitched voice.