There’s ‘a lot of gay sex’ in Beauty and the Beast, says Ewan McGregor

AS controversy continues over the film’s minor gay subplot, Beauty and the Beast actor Ewan McGregor couldn’t help but speak out.

Ewan McGregor is having fun with the controversy around Beauty and the Beast.

BEAUTY and the Beast actor Ewan McGregor just can’t resist having a little fun at the expense of those outraged about the inclusion of a minor gay character in the live-action Beauty and the Beast remake.

Controversy has swirled since the film’s director confirmed that manservant LeFou, who plays the sidekick to the story’s villain Gaston “is confused about his sexuality.” Director Bill Condon has described one brief scene as a “gay moment.”

Luke Evans as Gaston, left, with Josh Gad as LeFou. Picture: AP

Cue outrage from some quarters — and even a ban on the film being released in Malaysia.

McGregor was in a playful mood when he appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week.

“There was a little bit of controversy about this film ...” the host began.

“There’s a lot of gay sex in it,” McGregor interjected. “There’s a LOT of gay sex in this cartoon. I think if you live anywhere near Alabama, you should not go and see this film. What would Jesus think?”

As Colbert tried to downplay LeFour’s sexuality suggesting it was a subtle suggestion rather than an overt character trait, McGregor stood firm.

“I think he is a gay character,” he announced.

“He is? I thought it turned out that it doesn’t actually say?” asked Colbert, to which McGregor scoffed.

“It’s just like: He IS a gay character. It’s 2017, for f**k’s sake!”

Condon made the announcement about LeFou, played by Josh Gad, in an interview with UK gay magazine Attitude earlier this month.

Mad about the gay subplot in Beauty and the Beast? Please remember that the central love story is between Emma Watson and a buffalo. Picture: AP

LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston,” he said.

“He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realising that he has these feelings.”

The film’s lead actress, Harry Potter alumni Emma Watson, has described the gay subplot as “incredibly subtle.”

Beauty and the Beast is released in Australian cinemas on March 23.

Originally published as There’s ‘a lot of gay sex’ in Beauty and the Beast, says Ewan McGregor