Disney stage star suspended for ‘inappropriate’ language

THE leading man in Disney’s Beauty And The Beast theatre production has been suspended following allegations of inappropriate language, the Mail can reveal.

Emmanuel Kojo, 29, had been playing the role of the Beast in the musical – the first black actor to do so in the UK – until last Saturday.

It is claimed he was removed from the touring production at Liverpool’s Empire Theatre following allegations of inappropriate language and suspended while a full investigation is carried out. Alyn Hawke has taken over the role.

Last night, Disney said: ‘We are aware of a complaint, which we take very seriously, and a thorough investigation is underway. The employee in question has been suspended until the matter is resolved.’

A representative for the actor declined to comment last night. Kojo announced this week he would be taking a break from social media.

The actor, born in Ghana, has twice been nominated for Olivier Awards – for his performances as Joe in Showboat and Jud Fry in Oklahoma!.

He has starred in productions including Twelfth Night, at the National Theatre, and The Scottsboro Boys, at the Young Vic. He also performed at the 2017 Proms.

His casting in Beauty And The Beast had been ‘a real moment for him’, a source said. The show opened at the Bristol Hippodrome in August before transferring to Liverpool last month. It moves to the Edinburgh Playhouse next week.

Kojo describes himself as an activist and is serving his third term on the governing council of actors’ union Equity.