‘Django Unchained’ Hollywood premiere canceled after Newtown shooting

The premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s violent Western movie 'Django Unchained' was canceled following the school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

CBS News reported the premiere of "Django Unchained" has been canceled in the wake of last week's school shooting in Newtown, Conn., the film's studio said Monday.

Quentin Tarantino's violent Western was set to premiere Tuesday in Los Angeles at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the Los Angeles Times said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Newtown, CT and in this time of national mourning we have decided to forgo our scheduled event," read a statement from the film's studio The Weinstein Company.

The New York Times reported The Weinstein Company will, however, still hold a private screening for cast and Hollywood insiders with stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx in lieu of the premiere.

Over the weekend, Tarantino defended the film's violence, the Times said. It is scheduled to open Christmas Day.

"Django Unchained" is not the only movie premiere to be canceled after the deadly massacre at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, which left 20 children and six adults dead.

Tom Cruise’s "Jack Reacher" premiere benefit at Lincoln Center and the comedy 'Parental Guidance' were also canceled, the Times reported.