Angolan TV producers apologise over gays kissing Published duration 4 February 2015

image copyright other image caption Many viewers felt the programme crossed the line

The producers of a popular television soap in Angola have apologised after an episode which showed a gay couple kissing caused outrage among viewers.

State television said it had suspended broadcasts of Jikulumessu for "technical reasons".

Many viewers felt the programme went too far by showing two men kissing, although homosexuality is not illegal in Angola, correspondents say.

The programme was produced by a firm owned by the president's son.

Jose Eduardo Paulino dos Santos, a leading artist better known by his stage name Coreon Du, has been accused of promoting homosexuality in Angola, where many people hold conservative religious and social values.

His firm, Semba Productions, said it was reviewing the programme and it apologised for any offense caused.

Jikulumessu tackled socially sensitive issues, including polygamy, homosexuality and prostitution, with the aim of promoting dialogue and tolerance, it said in a statement.

The programme was shown daily on prime-time television until broadcasts were suspended on Monday night.

It was the second Angolan soap to feature prominent gay and lesbian characters but this was the first time a homosexual kiss had been aired.