Walt Disney Co. was unable to get permission to show its new Pixar movie “Lightyear” in 14 countries across the Middle East and Asia, according to Reuters.
Lebanon reportedly banned its screening due to a scene in which the character Buzz’s close female friend, who marries another woman, is seen sharing a brief kiss.
According to Reuters, representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Lebanon did not immediately comment on why their countries would not allow the film to be screened.
The UAE, however, was clear about its position, stating that the same-gender relationship exhibited in the film violates the country’s standards.
The source added that the animated film is also unlikely to screen in China.
Disney’s “Lightyear” is a prequel to the acclaimed Pixar movie “Toy Story” franchise.
Lebanon previously banned Disney’s “Death on the Nile,” due to the movie’s main star Gal Gadot, an Israeli model and actor with ties to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
While official decisions take place in Lebanon to ban movies related to the same-gender relationship, the people are more and more endorsing an open mind, as seen with various LGBTQ+ friendly pubs and restaurants in Beirut.
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