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“There is a lot of gay sex in this film. If you live anywhere near Alabama, you should not go see this film. What would Jesus think? He’s a gay character… it’s 2017 for f*** sake,” he said, to applause from the audience.
Luke Evans supports Disney’s first “gay moment” in Beauty and the Beast, however the same can’t be said for Malaysia who have pulled the film.
Disney has decided that they won’t distribute the movie to Malaysia after disagreements with the studio over censorship. According to The Guardian, the two main Malaysian cinema chains were due to show the film on Thursday but it has now been postponed. The chairman of the Malaysian film censorship board said it would only be given a certificate if its “gay moment” was removed, which Disney refused to oblige:
“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,” Abdul Halim said.
It’s no huge surprise to hear the news as homosexuality in Malaysia is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Russia who also have strict laws on homosexuality, have given the movie a 16+ rating.
Josh Gad’s LeFou (right) is the character who develops feelings for Evans’ Gaston (left)
Luke Evans, who plays Gaston in the film, stands by Disney and says it’s “lovely” that “LeFou is a little different”:
“I don’t know whether it’s that LeFou’s in love with Gaston. I don’t know if LeFou knows what love is. There’s a slight infatuation. You have to be careful how far we think he would go for Gaston. And this is a young man who’s finding his feet in life, and finding his identity.
It is an interesting thing. And in a way, it’s lovely to think that in this 21st century reimagining of a very loved story, LeFou is a little different. And that’s fine – even in a little village.” he told DigitalSpy.
Beauty and the Beast arrives in theaters on 17 March.
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