When Rami Malek delivered his acceptance speech at this week's Oscars, having taken out Best Actor for his role in Bohemian Rhapsody, many praised the star's success as a victory for first-generation Americans and Egyptian culture.
However, some Chinese viewers were left confused when Malek's speech was censored by Mango TV, one of two local networks to stream the ceremony.
“Listen, we made a film about a gay man, an immigrant, who lived his life unapologetically himself," Malek said on Monday.
"And the fact that I’m celebrating him and his story here tonight is proof that we’re longing for stories like this."
Chinese took to social media in frustration when Mango TV replaced the words “gay man” with “special group” in its translated subtitles.
'Bohemian Rhapsody' will be released in China. Source: Twitter
“What are they afraid of?” one wrote on Chinese social media website Weibo, according to . “Can we get the Oscars to cancel China’s broadcasting rights? Let’s write a complaint letter or something.”
However, in a surprise move, given China's hard line policies on LGBTIQ+ content, it was this week revealed that Bohemian Rhapsody would finally be receiving a limited local release.
“Could you please not cut anything?” one fan wrote in response to the news.
“Suspense! It’s already very unexpected for it to hit theaters – the chance of cuts is very high,” added another.
Censored or not, the film is expected to hit theaters March 22, in a limited release by the country’s National Alliance of Arthouse Cinemas.
