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Taron Egerton speaks out against Rocketman scene cuts in Russia Taron Egerton speaks out against Rocketman scene cuts in Russia
(about 3 hours later)
The star of the film Rocketman, Taron Egerton, has said he is crestfallen that scenes featuring men kissing and having sex have been cut from the Sir Elton John biopic in Russia. Taron Egerton, the star of the Elton John biopic, Rocketman, has said he was dismayed that gay scenes had been cut from the film by censors in Russia.
In an earlier joint statement with the film’s makers, John described the decision by the local distributor to cut the footage as a “sad reflection of the divided world we still live in”. Egerton, who has won praise for his portrayal of John in the film, wrote on Instagram: “I am crestfallen that the decision was made to censor our movie for the Russian market.”
Egerton, who has been praised for his portrayal of John in the film, wrote on Instagram: “I am crestfallen that the decision was made to censor our movie for the Russian market. I’m even more disappointed to hear about it secondhand today on the day of our domestic release. I in no way condone this decision and feel disappointed I wasn’t made aware and given the chance to fight this move. Love is love. No compromises.” The removal of scenes from the film has already been condemned by John, who described the decision as a “sad reflection of the divided world we still live in”.
He added a rainbow emoji, which is a symbol of LGBT pride. The cuts were first reported by Russian journalists after the film’s release in Moscow last week. Critic Anton Dolin wrote on Facebook that “all scenes with kissing, sex and oral sex between men have been cut”.
Critics in Russia claimed that scenes depicting sexual acts and kissing between men had been removed, totalling about five minutes.
John has previously spoken out about threats to gay rights in Russia, and received a call from President Vladimir Putin.
The singer and the film-makers said: “We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor Rocketman for the Russian market, a move we were unaware of until today.
“Paramount Pictures have been brave and bold partners in allowing us to create a film which is a true representation of Elton’s extraordinary life, warts and all.
Russia cuts Rocketman scenes citing 'homosexual propaganda' lawRussia cuts Rocketman scenes citing 'homosexual propaganda' law
“That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people. Dolin reported that only five minutes appeared to have been removed from Rocketman, which has generally received positive reviews. “But it’s very noticeable,” he said. “It’s about a principled five minutes, very important for artistic purpose.”
His disappointment was shared by Egerton: “I, in no way, condone this decision and feel disappointed I wasn’t made aware and given the chance to fight this move. Love is love. No compromises.” He also added a rainbow emoji, which is a symbol of LGBT pride.
A Russian state news agency said the distribution company managing Rocketman confirmed that “changes were made to the film in accordance with Russian law”.
John has had several run-ins in the past with Russian authorities over their treatment of gay people. In a statement, the singer – together with the makers of Rocketman, said: “We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor Rocketman for the Russian market, a move we were unaware of until today.
“Paramount Pictures have been brave and bold partners in allowing us to create a film which is a true representation of Elton’s extraordinary life, warts and all. That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people.
“We believe in building bridges and open dialogue, and will continue to push for the breaking down of barriers until all people are heard equally across the world.”“We believe in building bridges and open dialogue, and will continue to push for the breaking down of barriers until all people are heard equally across the world.”
The Russian film critic Anton Dolin said on Facebook that all scenes of kisses, sex and oral sex between men had been cut.
“From the movie took only five minutes, but it’s very noticeable. It’s about a principled five minutes, very important for artistic purpose.”
RocketmanRocketman
Taron EgertonTaron Egerton
RussiaRussia
LGBT rightsLGBT rights
CensorshipCensorship
EuropeEurope
Elton JohnElton John
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