'Gay moment': Disney Pulls "Beauty and the Beast" in Malaysia Following Censorship

Major cinemas across the Muslim-majority Malaysia have decided to postpone the new Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast" indefinitely. This decision still holds even after the scene showing the much talked about "exclusively gay moment" was cut, according to CNBC Tuesday.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the release of 'Beauty and the Beast' has been postponed until further notice," TGV Cinemas said on its website, adding that it would refund customers who had bought tickets in advance.
Malaysian Censorship Board chairman Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said the movie has been given a P13 classification, meaning parental guidance is advisable for children under 13 years, after a "gay moment" was cut. "Decision on classification and clearance was given a week ago," he told Reuters. "We are not aware of postponement. Hope they screen the film soon," he said.
The film's characters include manservant LeFou, who plays the sidekick to the story's villain Gaston, and, according to director Bill Condon, "is confused about his sexuality." Condon has described a brief scene as a "gay moment."
Russia last week approved the movie but banned children under 16 from watching it.
CNBC noted that Malaysia has restricted other Hollywood movies in prior years that censors considered religiously insensitive, including 1998's "The Prince of Egypt," which showed the story of Moses in the book of Exodus. Also, 1995's "Babe" was blocked since a pig, an unclean animal, according to Islam, was the main character.
Malaysia's censors in 2010 loosened decades of restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies, but still kept a tight leash on tiny bikinis, kisses and passionate hugs. The new rules allow depiction of gay characters, but only if they show repentance or are portrayed in a negative light. Sodomy, even if consensual, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and whipping in Malaysia.
Tags : beauty and the beast beauty and the beast movie Gay lesbian beauty and the best film Disney
Hot Trends
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
FREE MUSIC: Songs From The Soil's "Thanks And Praise"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Hope Darst's "Hands of the Healer"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
American Idol's Breanna Nix’s Debut Single “Higher” Soars to No. 1
-
New Trailer for "Testament," a Series Bringing to Life the Acts of the Apostles, is Out Now!
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Christy Nockels Announces "King Who Never Sleeps," a Spirit-Led Invitation into Peace and Worship
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Mia Fieldes Welcomes Her New Daughter
-
UPPERROOM Testifies to their Journey with "1350 (Live)"
-
TAYA Opens Up About Her Pregnancy & Her New Single
-
Carrie Underwood Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of "Some Hearts" With Vinyl Release
Most Popular
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
FREE MUSIC: Songs From The Soil's "Thanks And Praise"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Hope Darst's "Hands of the Healer"
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
American Idol's Breanna Nix’s Debut Single “Higher” Soars to No. 1
-
New Trailer for "Testament," a Series Bringing to Life the Acts of the Apostles, is Out Now!
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Christy Nockels Announces "King Who Never Sleeps," a Spirit-Led Invitation into Peace and Worship
-
Darlene Zschech's Daughter Weds
-
Mia Fieldes Welcomes Her New Daughter
-
UPPERROOM Testifies to their Journey with "1350 (Live)"
-
TAYA Opens Up About Her Pregnancy & Her New Single
-
Carrie Underwood Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of "Some Hearts" With Vinyl Release