Cartoon Network UK has censored a Steven Universe scene depicting a same-sex relationship and the network stands behind that decision despite outrage from fans.
A season 2 episode of Steven Universe, "We Need to Talk," features a musical number in which two female characters, Pearl and Rose Quartz, share a romantic dance. But as reported by Pink News, during a rebroadcast of the episode on Cartoon Network U.K., the network decided to alter this sequence. While the original episode cuts to a closeup of Pearl and Rose embracing, the U.K. version removes this shot and cuts back to Steven instead.
A Change.org petition has already amassed over 4,000 signatures calling for the network to stop homophobic censorship, but Cartoon Network UK defended the choice to Pink News. It said that while the U.S. broadcast system allows for a PG rating, the U.K. network must assure everything on the air is suitable for all ages.
“We do feel that the slightly edited version is more comfortable for local kids and their parents," the network said. “We have an ongoing dialogue with our audiences and our shows reflect their preferences. Research shows that U.K. kids often watch with younger siblings without parental supervision."
The BBFC’s "universal" rating they're referring to does allow for scenes depicting kissing, cuddling and references to sexual behavior.