Elton John And Taron Egerton Condemn Removal Of Gay Scenes From Rocketman In Russia | HuffPost

"We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws."

By

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

Elton John and Taron Egerton have condemned the removal of gay scenes from Rocketman.

The local distributor cut sex scenes from Elton’s biopic that portrayed his sexuality, including one that sees the popstar lose his virginity to his manager, John Reid.

Elton called the censorship “cruelly unaccepting”, saying in a joint statement with the filmmakers: “We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor Rocketman for the Russian market, a move we were unaware of until today.

Elton John and Taron Egerton

Daniele Venturelli via Getty Images

“Paramount Pictures have been brave and bold partners in allowing us to create a film which is a true representation of Elton’s extraordinary life, warts and all.

“That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people.

“We believe in building bridges and open dialogue, and will continue to push for the breaking down of barriers until all people are heard equally across the world.”

Russia’s Culture Ministry told news agency TASS: “The Russian Culture Ministry issued no recommendations concerning the removal of any scenes from said movie, the decision was made solely by the distributor.”

Taron, who plays Elton in Rocketman, said he was “crestfallen” at the censorship of the film.

“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 aware and given the chance to fight this move.

“Love is love. No compromises,” he added along with rainbow emoji.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, at a Moscow preview of the film five minutes were cut and the closing credits were changed to remove references to Elton’s life with his husband David Furnish and their two children.

Russian film critic Anton Dolin also revealed in a Facebook post that “all scenes of kisses, sex and oral sex between men have been cut from the movie.”

Elton John: 75 Rare And Beautiful Early Years Photos

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British singer, songwriter and musician Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight) playing piano. Rome, 1973 (Photo by Rino Petrosino\Mondadori Portfolio by Getty Images) (credit:Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Elton John performs at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 25, 1975. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Larry Hulst via Getty Images)

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CIRCA 1971: Pop singer Elton John poses for a portrait wearing glasses in circa 1971. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

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(Original Caption) 8/25/1975-- L-r: Rock star Elton John is shown embracing singer Bette Midler on the set of the "Cher" TV show on CBS. Both are wearing outlandish costumes. (credit:Bettmann via Getty Images)

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7th November 1970: Portrait of British-born musician Elton John playing the piano and singing. John wears sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt covered in white stars, and many rings. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

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Portrait of British musician Elton John, dressed in a leather duster (or long coat) as he plays piano, 1970. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

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