Sean Penn's Tribute at Marrakech Film Festival Sparks Outrage Over Gay Kiss

 I had the opportunity to cover the Marrakech Film Festival multiple times during my time in Morocco, and each year seemed to bring its own controversy. After later covering prestigious events like the Oscars and the Grammys, I realized how significantly the festivals in my country paled in comparison to the global standard of such events.

The most recent uproar occurred during Sean Penn's tribute at the festival. Following the tribute, the organizers screened Milk, a film starring Sean Penn, which initially seemed like a routine choice. However, the scene featuring a same-sex kiss between Sean Penn and James Franco caused a stir, sparking outrage among Moroccan attendees. Reports from local media indicate that a significant portion of the audience left the theater in protest, and footage of the backlash is included at the end of this article.

While Marrakech is internationally recognized for its vibrant gay tourism scene, it’s important to note that in Morocco, engaging in homosexual acts is punishable by imprisonment—unless one holds a foreign passport, which often provides a layer of protection.

 By Simo Ben (Simo Benbachir)