Kuwait and Lebanon Look to Ban ‘Barbie’ for Moral Reasons
nytimes.comAlthough the “Barbie” movie is a billion-dollar global hit, officials in Lebanon and Kuwait moved on Wednesday to ban the film, saying its content contradicts the conservative values of their countries.
Unlike other movies that have been banned in the Middle East, “Barbie” does not feature any scenes that overtly portray same-sex relationships.
The cast does feature L.G.B.T.Q. performers, including Kate McKinnon, who is gay, and Hari Nef, who is transgender. A Kuwaiti committee on cinematic censorship banned both “Barbie” and the horror film “Talk to Me” this week.
Lafy Al-Subei’e, an under secretary in the Ministry for Press and Publication, said the films promote “ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order,” according to a state-run news agency.
