‘Santiago of the Seas’ Suspended in Malaysia Because Of Kissing Mermaid Husbands

On November 16, 2025, an episode of the US-produced cartoon ‘Santiago of the Seas’ aired on Malaysia’s state channel TV2, operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia . The animated show, acclaimed for its inclusive storytelling and cultural representation, follows the adventures of an eight-year-old pirate, Santiago, and his crew as they protect their Caribbean home and promote values like friendship and cooperation, often weaving in English and Spanish language lessons .

Shortly after the broadcast, social media users began circulating claims that the episode included “two men kissing, ” referencing a scene involving a same-sex kiss on the cheek between two married mermaid characters, Rio and Martín . The depiction, though brief and non-explicit, swiftly drew criticism from conservative segments of the public and politicians, many of whom accused the series of promoting LGBTQ+ ideologies to children.

Responding to these complaints, RTM announced the immediate suspension of the series and launched an internal review. In a public statement, RTM said, “Based on the Content Evaluation report and the checks conducted, there were no actions or displays of affection suggesting same-sex relationships, nor any elements pointing towards such behaviour. However, to ensure there are no elements that could raise doubt or touch on public sensitivities, RTM has halted the broadcast to conduct a more detailed review of the series, ” adding a call for the public to avoid speculation and seek clarification directly from the broadcaster .

Despite the broadcaster’s internal assessment finding no overt evidence of LGBTQ+ themes, the show remains off the air as of this publication. The episode’s content continues to be debated across Malaysian media and social platforms, highlighting the sensitivity of LGBTQ+ representation in children’s programming in the country.

Malaysian politicians, particularly from the Malaysian Islamic Party , have been vocal in their opposition. Mohd Nor Hamzah, a PAS representative, stated, “The subtle promotion of LGBTQ+ ideologies through children’s cartoons poses a serious threat to the moral fabric of our society. It is vital for the government to scrutinise foreign media content before it reaches our children, as these influences are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. The government should prioritise local animation that reflects our culture and values, rather than allowing harmful foreign influences to infiltrate our children’s minds” .

The Ulama Council and other conservative groups have also called for stricter censorship and greater oversight of imported media, arguing that foreign programming is eroding Malaysian cultural and religious values .

Malaysia maintains some of the harshest laws against same-sex relationships in Southeast Asia. Homosexuality has been criminalized since colonial times and remains punishable by up to 20 years in prison, fines, and caning under both secular and Sharia law. The country’s 1984 Printing Presses and Publications Act empowers authorities to censor or ban media depicting LGBTQ+ themes, with such censorship commonplace in both imported and local content .

LGBTQ+ advocates and human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned these restrictions, arguing that censorship not only limits representation but also fuels stigma and discrimination against queer Malaysians. There are currently no anti-discrimination or hate-crime protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Malaysia, and public displays of same-sex affection are socially taboo and legally risky .

Previous incidents, such as the banning of international films like ‘Lightyear’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ for LGBTQ+ content, have set a precedent for the current response to ‘Santiago of the Seas’. These actions have drawn international criticism and highlighted the increasing tension between global media standards and Malaysia’s conservative regulatory environment .

‘Santiago of the Seas, ’ a Nickelodeon series, is recognized globally for its emphasis on diversity and positive role models. Notably, the show’s first two seasons were produced with the involvement of Kuala Lumpur-based Lemon Sky Studios, marking it as a significant collaboration between U. S. media giants and Southeast Asian animation talent . The series has received critical acclaim, including a nomination for Outstanding Preschool Animated Series at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards .

International media outlets and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have criticized the suspension, viewing it as part of a broader pattern of state censorship and marginalization of queer voices in Malaysia and the region. Human rights groups continue to call for greater representation and legal reforms to protect LGBTQ+ people from criminalization and media erasure .

While the depiction at the center of the controversy—a kiss on the cheek between two married mermaid characters—was intended as an innocent expression of affection, the backlash has had a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ visibility in Malaysian media. Advocates note that even small acts of representation are met with swift and severe reactions, underscoring the risks faced by LGBTQ+ people and allies in Malaysia .

Online, local LGBTQ+ individuals and supportive allies have expressed both disappointment and frustration, noting that such incidents reinforce the message that queer identities are unwelcome or “dangerous, ” even in fictional contexts. The episode’s suspension is seen as part of a larger pattern of erasure and censorship, with advocates urging international media companies to continue pushing for authentic and inclusive representation, while also supporting local activists fighting for change .

The fate of ‘Santiago of the Seas’ in Malaysia remains uncertain as RTM’s review continues. The case serves as a touchstone for ongoing debates about the role of media in shaping societal attitudes, the boundaries of state censorship, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people to be seen and heard. As Malaysia grapples with the intersection of traditional values, legal restrictions, and global media trends, the story of ‘Santiago of the Seas’ will likely remain a reference point in the country’s evolving discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility .