Delta Airlines to Restore LGBTQ Love Scenes to In-Flight Versions of "Booksmart" and "Rocketman"

Delta Air Lines recently announced that they will be restoring LGBTQ love scenes to in-flight viewings of Booksmart and Rocketman after receiving criticism for showing censored versions of both films, BuzzFeed News reports.

In a statement on Friday, November 1, the airline explained that they were given an “edited” version of Booksmart, not knowing that key romantic scenes between major characters were omitted. “Studios often provide videos in two forms: a theatrical, original version and an edited version,” Delta spokesperson Emma Protis told Variety. “We selected the edited version and now realize content well within our guidelines was unnecessarily excluded from both films. We are working to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Delta’s efforts to course-correct came after Booksmart director Olivia Wilde called attention to the issue in a now-viral Twitter thread, where she outlined some of the specific moments that were cut from the in-flight film, all of which were scenes that showcased female and/or queer sexuality.

Olivia went on to emphasize the bottom line, which is that censoring such material sends a harmful message to viewers, especially young women and LGBTQ people. “What message is this sending to viewers and especially to women? That their bodies are obscene? That their sexuality is shameful?” she wrote, adding: “I urge every airline, especially those who pride themselves on inclusivity, to stop working with this third party company, and trust the parental advisory warning to allow viewers to opt out if they choose.”

In an interview with Variety, Olivia echoed her confusion over the censorship. “There’s insane violence of bodies being smashed in half and yet a love scene between two women is censored from the film,” she said. “It’s such an integral part of this character’s journey. I don’t understand it. My heart just broke.”

Booksmart stars Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein also reacted to the apparent censorship. "We’re on the case to get this rectified," Beanie told Variety. "Our movie is a beautiful representation of the queer experience as young people." Kaitlyn called the editing "ridiculous," adding to the outlet: "I don’t even know what to say to that. That makes me so mad."

Just one day before Olivia penned her Twitter thread, Entertainment Weekly Digital Director Shana Naomi Krochmal tweeted that Delta was showing a version of Rocketman where “almost every gay reference or scene” was removed.

In the wake of the airline’s promise to restore the previously edited scenes to Booksmart and Rocketman, Olivia returned to Twitter to respond, simply writing: “Thank you @delta.”

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