Although it's a tale as old as time, it seems like Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty & The Beast isn't going over in certain parts of the world.
Already, the film has been slapped with a 16+ rating in Russia and, as of today, Disney has pulled the film from Malaysian cinemas over a dispute with the country's censorship board. According to a interview with AP, the chairman of Malaysia's Film Censorship Board, Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid, approved Beauty & The Beast, "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."
Same-sex sexual activity in Malaysia is illegal and carries a twenty-year prison sentence or public caning, or whipping. More to the point, Malaysia's Film Censorship Board allows for same-sex characters to be depicted on screen - but only if they are shown in a negative light or repent for their actions.
According to Hamid, Disney did not appeal the decision to cut the moment from the film and instead pulled the film from Malaysian cinemas entirely before its release. Disney, so far, have made no comment or statement on the matter.
Via AP
