Various Middle East countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have banned Disney Pixarâs âLightyear.â
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the decision was made based off of a same-sex kiss included in the film.
The outlet explained, âThe scene, involving the female character Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) and her partner, was originally cut from the film, but reinstated following the uproar surrounding a statement from Pixar employees claiming that Disney had been censoring âovertly gay affectionâ and Disney CEO Bob Chapekâs handling of Floridaâs âDonât Say Gayâ bill.â
The UAEâs Media Regulatory Office announced in a tweet the film is not âlicensed for public screening in all cinemas in UAE, due to its violation of the countryâs media content standards.â
Additionally, the outlet pointed out âDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessâ was not given a theatrical release in April in the Middle East.
The outlet noted it was reportedly due to âthe introduction of the character America Chavez (played by Xochitl Gomez) who, as per her portrayal in the comics, is gay.â
Aduba told Vanity Fair it is âincredible, and a real hats off to Disney and Pixar for having that kiss be a part of this story.â
She added, âThe kiss is a greeting and a gesture of love that is tender. It does establish who they are as people, but it is not the singular identifier for who either of them are. Seeing a loving gay couple in a meaningful way is important for everybody.â
Actor Chris Evans, who voices Buzz Lightyear, commented on Disney reinstating the kiss.
âItâs great that itâs back in the film,â Evans said, as Vanity Fair reported.
He continued, âI think itâs a shame that itâs such a story. It should be more normalized, but Iâm glad we are making those steps.â
