Malaysian authorities have postponed the screening of Disney's live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" in the country. The film is supposed to be released on Thursday this week but has been pulled out because it needed an "internal review."

BBC reports that authorities in Malaysia did not cite a specific reason for pulling out "Beauty and the Beast" in the cinema line up. The film is still receiving backlash from conservative communities after director Bill Condon announced that it would feature LeFou who is reportedly a gay character.

There is no release date yet for "Beauty and the Beast" but those who have purchased tickets will get refunds. The authorities in Malaysia did not specifically say that Gaston's sidekick LeFou was the cause of its postponement and review.

Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and its law states that homosexuality is illegal. This also applies to its neighboring countries in Asia. "Beauty and the Beast" has also received the postponement treatment in Russia and in the more conservative states in the US specifically in Alabama.

There have been mixed reviews for "Beauty and the Beast" so far. Express reports that journalist praised the film for being "wonderful" and claims that the "exclusively gay moment" for LeFou is barely noticeable.

The film stars Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens plays the Beast. They are joined by Luke Evans as Gaston, Josh Gad as LeFou and Kevin Kline as Belle's father Maurice. "Beauty and the Beast" also includes Ewan McGregor as the voice of Lumiere, Sir Ian McKellen for Cogsworth and Emma Thompson for Mrs. Potts. The film is set to be released this week on March 17 in the US.

Are you excited to watch "Beauty and the Beast" in theaters this week? Tell us what you think of the gay moment controversy in the comment section below.

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