Disney Censors Anime Expo

Friday morning of AX 2000 at about 9:00 AM Anaheim police raided the exhibit hall of AX 2000 as facts and rumors flew among AX attendees and staff alike. In the raid, instigated by a demand from an individual adult material dealer who requested police proof that he was violating legal statue, police searched through tapes and merchandise looking for pornographic material. In the processes, they demanded the removal of products from notable parties including Kitty (the hentai label of Media Blasters), AD Vision (because of their hentai label), the hentai software group Himeya Soft, as well as other exhibitors attending the Expo. Pioneer, Bandai and Viz were also subjected to the search and removal order (no word of any merchandise removal from these companies). Himeya Soft was requested by Disney, AX and the police to remove their booth and leave Disney property entirely.

The contract signed by dealers at Anime Expo states that “…exhibitor may not display material depicting nudity or sexual conduct unless it is blinded (covered) or displayed in such a way that it cannot be viewed by minors. Adult material must not be accessible to minors in any way.”

As news of the morning raid began to spread, Disney officials snooped around venues taking notes. This resulted in the closure of the “all-night” fansub viewing at one video room because of the risk of airing objectionable content. Disney officials also scanned all five video rooms and the film room where the Utena movie was being shown. Some artists that where attending the artist gallery/art show claimed that they where asked to remove some of their art during the raid because of objectionable content. One artist, who’s painting “contained no more exposed skin than the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue” was subject to the removal order because the painting was deemed “too suggestive.” Apparently Disney threatened to shut down the Art Show if the paintings were not removed.

Source: A Fan’s View