Malaysia’s state broadcaster has suspended the animated Nickelodeon children’s series Santiago of the Seas following viewer complaints that an episode contained an LGBTQ scene.
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The controversy erupted after viewers reported seeing the character Rio, a mermaid, kiss his partner Martin on the cheek in an episode that aired on Sunday on TV2.
RTM, which operates the channel, said an internal review had found no evidence of any such display of same-sex affection but halted the show “to avoid public sensitivities” while a detailed review into the series was carried out.
Santiago of the Seas is an animated action-adventure series aimed at preschoolers that centres on the titular Santiago, an eight-year-old pirate, and his crew defending their Caribbean home.
“Based on our content assessment and checks, there were no actions or displays of affection suggesting same-sex relationships,” RTM said in a statement on Monday. “However, to ensure there are no elements that raise doubt or sensitivities, RTM has halted the broadcast for a detailed review.”
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