‘Beauty and the Beast’ shelved in Malaysia despite approval

Walt Disney has shelved the release of its new movie Beauty and the Beast in mainly Muslim Malaysia, even though film censors said on Tuesday it had been approved with a minor cut.

The country’s two main cinema chains said the movie, due to begin screening on Thursday, has been postponed indefinitely. No reason was given.

Film Censorship Board chairman Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said he did not know why the film was postponed as it was approved by the board after a minor gay scene was axed.

“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,” he said.

He said there was no appeal from Disney about the decision to cut the scene.

Disney officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Star English-language newspaper cited the Disney company as saying the movie was postponed for an “internal review.”

Russia last week approved the movie but banned children under 16 from watching it.