'Beauty and the Beast' release postponed in Malaysia, even after 'gay moment' cut

Major cinema chains in Muslim-majority Malaysia have postponed the release of Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast", cleared by censors after a "gay moment" was cut, due to "unforeseen circumstances".

The Walt Disney Co film has courted controversy after the director, Bill Condon, first announced that it would feature a gay character - LeFou, the goofy sidekick to main villain Gaston - for the first time in Disney's history.

Billboards and posters advertising the film, with a March 16 release date, had been displayed on buildings and along major roads all around Kuala Lumpur. But Malaysia's largest cinema chains announced that the screenings had been held up.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the release of 'Beauty and the Beast' has been postponed until further notice," TGV Cinemas said on its website, adding that it would refund customers who had bought tickets in advance.

Golden Screen Cinemas also had a similar notice on its website.

Walt Disney's representatives in Kuala Lumpur could not be immediately reached for comment.