![Chinese platforms censor LGBT scenes and orgasm references in FRIENDS](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/friendswebsite-1.jpg)
Major Chinese streaming platforms have censored the LGBTIQ+ plot line in the popular TV sitcom FRIENDS, leading to massive backlash on social media. In the first episode, conversations regarding the character of Ross’ ex-wife, Carol, who divorces him after coming out as lesbian, were deleted.
Other conversations which were suggestive of LGBT storylines were edited out. In the original version, Ross mentions that there was only one woman for Carol, who leaves him for her friend Susan. The show debuted on Chinese streaming platforms Sohu video and iQiyi in 2012 without any censorship, and this was available to watch until its streaming agreement ended in 2013.
Following a surge of popularity after the 2021 special ‘FRIENDS: The Reunion’, Chinese streaming platforms together purchased the broadcasting rights to the show. Platforms including Bilibili, Tencent, Youku, Sohu and iQiyi began streaming the series on February 11th. Fans took to the Chinese social media site Weibo to protest censorship of the show, with the #FriendsCensored becoming the most trending topic on the site. The hashtag received more than 54 million views on the site on Friday night, but was censored by the platform on Saturday morning.
The censorship also targeted the topic of orgasms. In the original version, Ross said that ‘women can have multiple orgasms’ but in the new version, the character says that ‘women have endless gossips.’ In 2016, China issued new guidelines saying TV shows shouldn’t include story lines involving gay relationships as well as other topics which ‘exaggerate the dark side of society.’ Homosexuality, extramarital affairs, one-night stands and underage love were all listed under ‘vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content.’
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