Trump, Critic of 'Parasite,' Retweets "Excellent" on Indian LGBTQ Romance Film

President Donald Trump mentioned "Excellent" on the 21st via Twitter regarding a post promoting the Indian gay romance film 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan'. / Photo by Twitter

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] U.S. President Donald Trump retweeted a promotional post about an Indian LGBTQ romance film, calling it "Great."

Previously, President Trump had strongly criticized the Korean film Parasite for winning at the Academy Awards.

On the 21st (local time), President Trump retweeted a tweet by LGBTQ rights activist Peter Tatchell, who wrote, "I hope the new gay romance film from Bollywood will overcome the old generation following the decriminalization of homosexuality," adding "Great."

The film introduced by Tatchell that day is the Indian movie Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, known as a romantic comedy centered on the marriage of a gay couple.

Meanwhile, the Indian Supreme Court ruled the law criminalizing same-sex sexual acts unconstitutional in 2018.

The Indian film 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' is a romantic comedy that centers on the marriage of a gay couple. / Photo by Twitter Capture

After Trump's retweet, Tatchell wrote a new tweet saying, "It is shocking that President Trump retweeted my post," and added, "I have despised Trump's anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) policies, denial of climate destruction, misogyny, and collusion with far-right forces."

He further added, "I hope this retweet is not just a promotional act but the beginning of genuinely embracing LGBTQ rights."

President Trump is scheduled to visit India on the 24th and meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, President Trump recently criticized the Academy Awards during his election campaign, saying that a foreign film, Parasite, was awarded.

On the 20th, during a campaign speech held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he said, "How terrible the Academy was this year," and "A film from Korea won this year?what is going on?"

He added, "We already have enough issues with trade with Korea," and questioned, "Is it right to give them the best film award this year on top of that?"