Rocketman star Taron Egerton has spoken out about the censorship of Rocketman in Russia, saying he was “crestfallen” to hear that gay content and references to Elton John‘s sexuality were removed from the film upon its release.
In a post to Instagram earlier today, the actor said:
“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 an feel disappointed hat I wasn’t made aware and given the chance to fight [for] this movie. Love is love. No compromises.”
Taron Egerton plays pop star Elton John in the film, which deals with his rise to fame as a performer and song writer, and his tumultuous relationship with manager John Reid, played by Game Of Thrones star Richard Madden.
Russian film critic Anton Dolin, who viewed the film upon its local release, said that scenes involving “kissing, sex and oral sex between men” have been cut out, as well as a title card from the film’s end explaining that John now lives with his husband and children.
In addition to Taron Egerton, Elton John himself has spoken out in dismay at the decision to cut the film, sharing a statement on his own Instagram in which he and the filmmakers called it “a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in.”
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