Kuwait and Lebanon move to ban ‘Barbie’ ahead of film’s Mideast release

“Barbie” is set to open across the Middle East last week, but moves by Kuwait and Lebanon to ban the film for allegedly threatening conservative values have raised questions over how widely it will be released. The film centered upon the anatomically improbable American dolls contains no overt sexuality or references to LGBTQ+ rights.

But it seems to have drawn fire because of its sheer flamboyance and broad message of inclusion and gender equality in a region where homosexuality is widely seen as taboo. Kuwait announced its ban, saying the film promotes “ideas and beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and public order,” without elaborating, according to a statement published by the state-run KUNA news agency.

In Lebanon, Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada said the film was found to “contradict values of faith and morality” and to “promote homosexuality and sexual transformation.” His request to ban the film was forwarded to Lebanon’s General Security agency, which falls under the Interior Ministry and traditionally handles censorship decisions.