‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ censorship peeves Chinese viewers

BEIJING — Moviegoers in China are criticizing a censored version of the biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” which erases mentions of Freddie Mercury’s sexuality.

This image released by Twentieth Century Fox shows Gwilym Lee, from left, Rami Malek and Joe Mazzello in a scene from “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Image: Twentieth Century Fox/Alex Bailey via AP

The film chronicles the life of Mercury, lead singer of the legendary British rock band Queen.

Chinese audience members say scenes in which Mercury reveals that he is not straight and that he has AIDS were cut or abruptly muted. A kiss shared by Mercury and his longtime partner, Jim Hutton, is also missing.

While LGBTQ+ content is generally less taboo than other topics which Chinese authorities deem sensitive, same-sex relationships are still virtually absent from mainstream media.

When Chinese video site Mango TV live-streamed the Academy Awards in January, “Bohemian Rhapsody” lead actor Rami Malek’s speech was subtitled to read “special group” when in fact he said “gay man.” NVG

RELATED STORIES:

Gay-themed drama series taken down by Chinese gov’t

Chinese streaming site mocked for censoring earrings on men