Haiyo! Just when we thought everything was settled, more drama surrounding the latest live action remake of Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast” surfaced on Tuesday (14th March).
Yup, that’s right! Sit yourself down because we’ve got some not-so-good news.
Initially, the Malaysian Censorship Board’s (LPF) chairman, Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid addressed the minor cut of “Beauty And The Beast” to the Associated Press, stating,
“We have approved it 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.”
Apparently, about 4 1/2 minutes worth of cuts were made and the film was then revealed to be given a P13 rating, meaning that children who are under the age of 13 years need a parent or guardian’s guidance when watching the movie.
However, according to The Malay Mail Online, Disney responded with,
“The film has not been and will not be cut in Malaysia.”
“Beauty And The Beast” is the latest in Disney’s ongoing series of live-action remakes and stars Emma Watson as Belle, and Dan Stevens as The Beast. The controversial character who is the centre of all this controversy is Gaston’s (Luke Evans) faithful and comical side-kick, Le Fou, played by Josh Gad.
In the film, Le Fou is portrayed as confused about his sexuality at first, who later discovers himself and is revealed by director Bill Condon to have an “exclusively gay moment” in the film.
Since Disney appears to be against the cut of Le Fou’s gay subplot, it looks like it might be a long while before us Malaysians get to see the highly anticipated “Beauty And The Beast” movie. Now, excuse us while we cry.
Also read: Beauty And The Beast Movie Postponed In Malaysia, No Alternative Dates Revealed