“TV soap opera producers apologize for gays kissing scene”, 9 February 2015

The producers of the Angolan television drama series “Jikulumessu” have publicly apologized for a recent episode in which a gay couple kissed on screen. The scene was aired during prime time and caused outrage among viewers in a country where homosexuality remains a taboo subject, although not illegal. “We offer our sincere apologies to those who felt offended,” the Semba Comunicacao production company said in a statement…“We recognize that some images may have wounded susceptibilities and been considered inappropriate among some people. Disrespect and offense was never our purpose.” The series is intended to draw attention to socially sensitive issues…It is supposed to “encourage a healthy debate about them.” “This debate aims to encourage dialogue in society about tolerance and respect for all social groups, as enshrined in the (Angolan) constitution.” The producers promised to make “corrections in the presentation of (future) sensitive content” in the series. The state television station said in the meantime, it has suspended broadcasts of the series for “technical reasons.”…