Elton John and Taron Egerton slam Russia’s decision to censor sex scene in ‘Rocketman’
The new musical biopic is the first studio movie to feature a same-sex sex scene
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Elton John and Taron Egerton hit back at Russia after the sex scene in Rocketman was cut.
The musical biopic – starring Egerton as John – has received international praise as it opened in cinemas around the world last month and has been dubbed the first ever studio film to feature a same-sex sex scene.
Now, over the weekend, it was revealed that Russia had decided to censor the sex scene and John slammed the decision and called it a ‘sad reflection on the divided world’.
In an official statement on his Twitter feed, it read: “We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to censor Rocketman for the Russian market.
“That the local distributor had found it necessary to edit out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection on the divided world we still live in and how it can still be cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people.”
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 31, 2019
Star Egerton also hit back at the decision and wrote on Instagram: “I am crestfallen that the decision was made to censor our movie for the Russian market.
“I’m even more disappointed to hear about it second hand today on the day of our domestic release.
“I in no way condone this decision and feel disappointed I wasn’t made away and given the chance to fight this move. Love is love. No compromises.”
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