Egypt says it banned Ridley Scott’s biblical epic “Exodus: Gods & Kings” because it gives the wrong idea about Egypt’s history and presents a “racist” image of Jews.
The Culture Ministry explained its decision for the first time in a statement Sunday, a few days after the initial ban. It listed a number of reasons, including that the film’s account of the story of Moses was not in line with monotheistic religions.
It said the movie inaccurately depicts ancient Egyptians as “savages” who kill and hang Jews, and presents a “racist” depiction of Jews as a people who mounted an armed rebellion. It said religious scriptures instead present Jews as being weak.
The film had sparked controversy elsewhere over Scott’s casting of white actors to play ancient Egyptians.