Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Bruno' Banned In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia has banned U.S. box office hit "Bruno" by Sacha Baron Cohen because it highlights gay life and has gay sex scenes, an official said Tuesday.

"Bruno" – following Baron Cohen's hit "Borat" – is centered around the adventures of a flamboyant gay fashion journalist from Austria.

An official from Malaysia's Film Censorship Board said the movie was considered unacceptable because of its story line, offensive language, jokes and racy nature. She declined to be named, citing protocol.

"It's banned because the story is based on gay life ... There are a lot of sex scenes," she said. "It's contrary to our culture."

Gay sex, or "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," is punishable by up to 20 years in jail and whipping in Malaysia. Sex toys, politically incorrect comments and jokes about religion also irked the censors, she said.

She said censors vetted the movie last month, and the distributor was notified.

Ukraine has also banned the film, and some Austrian officials have spoken out against it, but have not taken action.

Baron Cohen's previous movie "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" made fun of the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan and the United States and was banned in Kazakhstan and Russia.

Malaysia also decided in early September to ban another American hit, the horror film "Halloween II," because of its gory scenes and excessive violence, the official said. The distributor was informed and can appeal the decision.

A Muslim-majority nation of 28 million people, Malaysia has strict public morality rules, including those applying to entertainment. U.S. R&B star Beyonce Knowles, who is scheduled to perform here on Oct. 25, has promised to wear conservative attire for the show.

Comments

[hallowellboy]

Cohen and Malaysia have their bigotry of Gays in common. Funny how what comes around goes around. Jokes on you Cohen.

[rextrek]

ahh Poor Andy Willaims misses the Old Days when Black entertainers had to come in threw the kitchen or back door....and couldn't use the Hotel's Pools......

[Ergoat]

Beyonce better not drink a beer in public during her stay in Malaysia, or she have to endure a caning from the Islamic court.

[sabarjelah]

You have never been to Malaysia have you?

[Ergoat]

No... but: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/28/kartika-sari-dewi-shukarn_0_n_301795.html

[scorpioleidy]

There is nothing funny about this movie. It should be banned worldwide - and not even released on video.

[dwill123]

The only thing of merit Sacha Baron Cohen has ever done is King Julien.

[FabulousAt52]

Cohen is sooooo last season. His 15 minutes of questionable "fame' are way over.

[rising sun]

I saw Bruno. It was hella lot funnier than The Hangover.

[lastep]

who is Sasha Cohen?

[henrypapillon]

vell, i nevah hud such a thing!

[iplaw]

Lol, we need gay rights here before we can be upset about other countries making "gayness" illegal.

[Tallulah Morehead - Huffpost Blogger]

So one of the most homophobic countries on earth banned BRUNO. Did anyone ever think they'd allow it? Maylaysia is repressive and uncivilized. Hardly news.

In other headlines, the sun rose in the east today. Film at 11.

[SadButWiser]

This has to be one of the most uneducated comment about a country by someone that has probably never been to. Black Eyed Peas just finished a concert, and Beyonce is about to start in few days.If some people in Malaysia are against such events, they have the right to protest. I think it is absolutely fair for a country to ban Cigarette and Alcohol companies to sponsor sporting and musical events. How is it repressive or uncivilsed, because they banned a movie? Is that how you judge a country?

I loved Borat and I thought it was one of the funnies movies of all times, but few minutes after watching this one I had to walk out with my wife. I think Malaysia has made the right decision. If people want to watch they can buy the DVD if or when it is out.

I would advice you to visit Malaysia before you make such comments. How many countries in the world do you know where every religious holiday, be it Muslim, Christian, Hindus and Buddhist, is a national holiday.

[sabarjelah]

True that!

[rextrek]

sure YOU like Malaysia - you are straight....IF you eat or pound Va-JJ then you're in...... unless you're a lesbian.

[dillydawg]

Sasha Cohen does absolutely nothing to advance the cause of Gay Rights. Nothing!

[jl4141]

Your point? Sasha Baron Cohen is not gay, and I doubt that advancing the cause of gay rights was even remotely on his agenda when he made this movie.

[deluk]

Owning a beribboned Yorkshire terrier does nothing to advance the cause of Gay Rights.
Nothing!

[SkuddGobang]

so?