Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ banned in Middle East countries over LGBT character
Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ banned in Middle East countries over LGBT character!
As being reported, Disney and 20th Century’s “West Side Story,” an adaptation of the classic musical, has been banned in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait.
The ban comes after Disney’s refusal to comply with censors in Qatar and Oman.
While the film is not being given a release certificate in KSA and Kuwait due to a character being transgender in the film.
While the “West Side Story” will be released elsewhere in theaters on Friday, Dec 10.
The new version of the original movie has been made 60 years after, staring Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mika Faist, and Rita Moreno among others.
Films with LGBTQ references have been regularly targeted by censors in the Middle East, as well as China.
Earlier the Disney’s comic book epic “Eternals” faced a similar ban. It was pulled from release across the Gulf region due to the inclusion of Marvel’s first openly same-sex couple.
