Random Reasons 'Beauty And The Beast' Is Actually Super Messed Up (15 items)

(#3) Gaston Threatens to Commit Belle’s Father

Like any good Disney princess, Belle is motherless, and she has but one father whom she loves dearly despite his... unusual lifestyle. So, it's pretty f*cked up when the man who wishes to marry her threatens to commit her one remaining parent to an institution.

It’s probably not the best way to court your love interest, but Gaston seems to think threatening to send Belle’s lovable, quirky father away will convince her to return his love. Now if Belle had been reading worthwhile literature as she sings herself through the town - rather than some anti-feminist propaganda about finding a Prince Charming in Chapter 3 - she might've learned that Gaston is a blowhard who has no real power to send her father anywhere.
(#12) Chip Isn't Just A Child Victim Of Torture, He Also Might Be Motherless

Think about it: how in the world could the grey-haired, matronly grandma who appears as the human form of Mrs. Potts possibly be the mother of the elementary-school-aged Chip? Is Chip even 10 years old (the length of time the curse has purportedly been going on)? Who bore this teacup?

Clearly, Disney princesses need to be motherless (look at Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle if you're feeling doubtful) but a tiny innocent child? Why does this small boy reside in a giant castle with a few servants and a malicious, unbelievably stingy Beast? Surely, viewers are not meant to believe that the grandmother of a teapot is his actual mother. Sure, talking animals and household items might be common but a mother over the age of 50? This isn't Hollywood.
(#10) Belle Gets Stuck Choosing Between A Beast And A Jack*ss

When your choices for a husband range from an aggressive dog-bear with a penchant for kidnapping and a narcissistic, misogynist with giant teeth, you might want to rethink your options. It's clear Belle hasn't been reading the right books because those two shouldn't break the top three of anyone's list.

Come on girl, go to the city like you always dreamed!
(#1) Gaston Is A Living Embodiment Of Rape Culture

Sure, the Beast kidnaps Belle and keeps her prisoner in his mansion (is kidnapping supposed to be romantic here?), but equally creepy is Gaston’s inability to take no for an answer. Maybe it’s because his mouth is so disproportionate to his face, but Gaston is one creepy looking fella. He’s the kind of guy that walks behind you for a little too long as you’re walking home from the party. The hair on the back of your neck stands up, and you position your car key in your hand ready so gouge his eyes out.

Gaston practically demands that Belle marry him, considering himself a worthy prize. He even tries to physically stop her from leaving a room, and she smiles politely at him as she escapes - forced to sweetly, kindly turn down her wholly-unwelcome assailant.
(#7) Why Hasn't Anyone Noticed That A Local Prince Has Gone Missing?

The Beast’s whole story is sketchy. If he was a prince, why wasn't the town covered with posters declaring that their beloved ruler was missing? Even if he ruled at a nearby town, surely the folks in Belle's provincial community would've heard the gossip about the missing prince from over yonder.

Furthermore, if the castle the Beast is living in is, in fact, the same castle he lived in while he ruled his kingdom, then just where are his subjects, and why aren’t they banging down the door looking for their prince?
(#14) The Beast Is Basically A Forest-Dwelling Fascist

Belle’s father might have been poking his nose into business that was not his, but that doesn’t mean he should've gotten locked up in a castle’s dungeon to rot away without ever having a chance to answer for crimes. The poor old guy is already struggling with some form of dementia, and he certainly doesn't need the Beast complicating his situation by throwing him in the chokey.
Old Beasty boy isn't too bothered with things like jurisprudence, however, and he maintains a totally dictatorial stranglehold on all ye who enter his neck of the woods - a perfect candidate for a young girl's affections!