Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” movie has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing $1 billion in global ticket sales. However, despite its immense success, the film continues to face obstacles in certain countries. Kuwait, for instance, has decided to forgo a premiere of the bubblegum pink flick in order to protect “public ethics and social traditions.” The chairman of the film censorship committee in Kuwait, Lafi Al-Subaie, has accused “Barbie” of promoting unacceptable behavior and distorting society’s values. In Lebanon, the film has been criticized for allegedly promoting homosexuality.
Mohammad Mortada, a minister supported by the powerful political party and militant group Hezbollah, claims that the movie encourages homosexuality and sexual transformation, contradicting principles of faith and morality while diminishing the significance of the family unit. Consequently, Lebanon’s Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, has requested that the General Security’s censorship committee review the film and provide its recommendation.
Lebanon, which held its first gay pride week in 2017 but has seen increased restrictions on LGBTQ+ communities and their rights, has been tightening its grip. In July 2022, authorities unlawfully banned peaceful gatherings of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, according to Human Rights Watch.
Warner Bros., the production company behind the film, was contacted for comment but has yet to respond. “Barbie,” starring Margot Robbie as the eponymous character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, follows the duo from Barbie Land into the real world. The movie was released on July 21 and has gained immense popularity, topping the box office in its first two days and generating $70.5 million in sales.
Interestingly, Kuwait is not the only country to object to the film. Vietnam, for instance, has banned it due to a scene featuring a map that includes the “nine-dash line,” representing China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam asserts that this violates its sovereignty.
In an interview with Attitude, Robbie expressed her desire for the film to be inclusive and representative of its audience. She explained that Barbie Land was meant to feel incredibly inclusive, and the movie aimed to make everyone feel welcome. However, despite this commitment to inclusivity, Robbie confirmed that “Barbie” does not feature any gay Kens or Barbies.
Despite facing criticism and bans in some countries, “Barbie” has managed to captivate audiences and achieve impressive box office success. The film’s journey from being banned in Kuwait to facing objections in Lebanon and Vietnam showcases the complex cultural landscapes that filmmakers navigate in their quest for global audiences.