Disney’s new film, Beauty and the Beast, has been delayed in traditionally conservative Malaysia following the removal of its controversial “gay moment” by censors. The censors cleared the movie for release, but editing the film caused an unforeseen delay, holding up viewings.
The movie’s director Bill Condon drew controversy to the movie when he announced that one of its main characters, LeFou, sidekick to the villain Gaston, would be gay. He’s Disney’s first officially gay character.
The movie had been announced for a March 16 release in TV ads and billboards across the country, but Malaysia’s two largest cinema chains, TGV Cinemas and Golden Screen Cinemas, revealed today that the screenings have been delayed. They did not provide a new date.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, the release of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has been postponed until further notice,” TGV Cinemas announced. The company states that ticketholders will be able to seek refunds for their tickets online or through the theaters they bought their tickets from. GSC put up a similar notice for moviegoers.
Beauty and the Beast joins the list of films that Malaysia has blocked over the past few decades for offending religious or cultural sensitivities. It previously blocked screenings of 1998’s The Prince of Egypt, over its depiction of the prophet Moses; and Babe, which featured a pig as its main character. In Islam, pigs are considered haram.
Screenings of Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ were OK’d despite complaints from religious authorities. The nation’s large Christian minority, which is made up of Catholics and Protestants, were the only ones allowed to see it.
Malaysia isn’t the only country worried about the movie’s homosexual content. Russia is reportedly investigating the movie over its so-called “gay moment,” probing whether it may be a possible breach of the nation’s anti-gay propaganda law. Singapore’s Anglican Church has also warned parents against bringing their children to the movie.
Ian Miles Cheong is a journalist and outspoken media critic. You can reach him through social media at @stillgray on Twitter and on Facebook.