Disney refuses to cut gay character from Beauty and the Beast for Malaysia, pulls it from cinemas
'The film has not been and will not be cut for Malaysia'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Walt Disney has decided to pull Beauty and the Beast from Malaysian theatres rather than cut its so-called 'gay moment' to placate local censors.
“The film has not been and will not be cut for Malaysia,” a Disney rep told Bloomberg.
Malaysia’s largest cinema chain, Golden Screen Cinemas, was on Monday instructed by the studio to postpone showings of the new live-action film.
The film was initially recut by Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board, with board chairman Abdul Halim telling AP: “We have approved [the movie], but there is a minor cut involving a gay moment. It is only one short scene, but it is inappropriate because many children will be watching this movie.”
In Malaysia, gay sex is still considered a criminal offence which can lead to prison time, censors only allowing the depiction of gay characters if they are portrayed either negatively or as repentant. Beauty and the Beast's Le Fou (Josh Gad) is depicted as clearly pining after the film's villain, Gaston.
Malaysia isn’t among the 20 largest film markets in the world, according to the Motion Picture Association of America, but it is still a positive step that Disney is declining to show a censored version of the film there.
In Russia, the full cut has been approved but for audiences aged 16 and over.
Beauty and the Beast opens in UK cinemas on 17 March.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments