RTM halts ‘Santiago of the Seas’ after complaints of alleged LGBTQ+ content

Malaysia’s state broadcaster, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), has suspended the popular children’s cartoon Santiago of the Seas following complaints that an episode contained LGBTQ+ themes. The decision comes after social media claims that the show featured “two men kissing” during Episode 22, which aired on TV2 on Sunday (16 November).

In a statement, RTM confirmed that its internal review found no evidence of same-sex affection or behaviour, but said the series was pulled “to avoid public sensitivities” while a more detailed assessment is conducted. The broadcaster urged the public not to speculate and to seek clarification directly from RTM. 

The controversy centres on two characters, Río and Martín - mermaids who are portrayed as a married couple in the US-produced series. While the alleged “kiss” was described by critics as inappropriate, LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the backlash reflects Malaysia’s entrenched censorship laws, which ban depictions of queer relationships in media under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

Santiago of the Seas, created by Nickelodeon, is celebrated globally for its inclusive storytelling and cultural representation, blending English and Spanish language learning with Caribbean adventure. International coverage of the suspension has highlighted growing concern over Malaysia’s restrictions on LGBTQ visibility, which have previously led to bans on films such as Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder.