The Episode Of ‘Little America’ That Deals With Gay Syrian Character Banned In 11 Countries
An episode from Apple TV+’s critically acclaimed new series, Little America, has reportedly been banned in almost a dozen countries for being too gay.
Little America, which is getting rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, is an anthology series that highlights stories of eight different immigrant experiences.
Haaz Sleiman appears in “The Son,” the final episode of the season. He plays Rafiq, a Syrian man who is forced to flee his village after his father catches him kissing another man.
But according to one of the episode’s co-writers, Amrou Al-Kadhi, the subject matter in “The Son” was too triggering for censors in 10 Middle Eastern countries and Russia. So they banned it.
Al-Kadhi tweeted: “We’ve just found out that our episode in #LittleAmerica has been banned from several Middle-Eastern countries. We’re so sorry and we’re working to make it valuable. If you have experienced this or are noticing changes, please let us know.”
We’ve just found out that our episode in #LittleAmerica has been banned from several Middle-Eastern countries. We’re so sorry and we’re working to make it valuable. If you have experienced this or are noticing changes, please let us know. Amrou & Stephen x pic.twitter.com/HAzt7ejxk3
— Amrou Al-Kadhi ? (@Glamrou) January 18, 2020
This isn’t the first time Little America has run into issues either.
Producers also had difficulty getting some of the cast and crew into the U.S. for filming because of Trump’s Islamophobic travel ban. To work around it, production was moved to Canada.
In a tweet, Al-Kadhi explains: “This is the harsh reality of making queer Arab work. The Trump travel ban meant we had to move this shoot out of America. And now our #LittleAmerica episode has been banned in 11 countries. We’re so sorry about this – please know we’re working hard to find a way to get it to you.”
This is the harsh reality of making queer Arab work. The Trump travel ban meant we had to move this shoot out of America. And now our #LittleAmerica episode has been banned in 11 countries. We’re so sorry about this – please know we’re working hard to find a way to get it to you. pic.twitter.com/X3gIBHNsON
— Amrou Al-Kadhi ? (@Glamrou) January 20, 2020
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5 Comments
Fred
January 23, 08:08Arab countries’ fears, I understand but The Kremlin keeps pretending they can politically keep the gay away.
Mitch
January 23, 08:08When has banning stuff ever really worked? The only thing they’ve succeeded in doing is making sure a heck of a lot of people watch the show.
I mean, look at Nigeria and Sugar Rush. Just about who hasn’t watched the movie? And it’s all because the stupid censor’s board banned it.
Nsogbu!
Pink Panther
January 23, 08:27What’s this about Sugar Rush? I keep hearing “Sugar Rush, Sugar Rush” everywhere I turn and I don’t quite understand what the noise is about.
Buddha
January 23, 12:53Don’t be taken in by the Sugar Rush Ban. It’s all a contrived plot by the producers who were in cahoots with the NFVCB to stir public interest. Movie is back in the cinemas. Watch only at your peril unless you want to see Adesua and her hubby gradually fall from grace as was the plot.
Mandy
January 23, 08:09OK, this has my interest really piqued. i’m off to download. Any gay content that has Russia and the Middle East this uncomfortable is good for me. 😀
Pinky, I trust you have seen this and will be writing a review?