Happy ending for Beauty And The Beast controversy in Malaysia

Live-action film Beauty And The Beast will be screened from March 30 onwards with a PG13 rating and no cuts. PHOTO: THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Just like the fairy tale itself, the controversy over Disney's live-action film Beauty And The Beast will have a happy ending in Malaysia.

According to an industry insider, the movie has been approved for release in Malaysia with a rating of PG13 from March 30 onwards. The movie will be shown in its entirety without any cuts.

Beauty And The Beast courted controversy when director Bill Condon said that the character of LeFou, played by Josh Gad, would have a "nice exclusively gay moment" in the film.

In an AFP report, chairman of the Malaysian Censorship Board (LPF) Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said the "gay moment" had concerned a song featuring LeFou, during which he "lifted up his shirt and showed a love bite on his tummy".

The movie was originally scheduled for release on March 16.

Disney Co (Malaysia) is set to release an official statement later tonight.

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