Light Novel ‘I’m in Love with the Villainess’ English-Language Alterations Draw Attention and Outrage; UPDATE: Seven Seas to Restore Cut Content
UPDATE: Seven Seas says they will revise the ebook and future printings with the cut content. The company issued the following statement:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Those portions of the text were removed during the editorial process at the time, but we have since changed how we edit these books to make sure important lines are not lost. We’ll be revising the ebook within the next few weeks to add the cut portions back into the book, and the revision will also be reflected in all future printings of the paperback.
Original article
Fans on Twitter were quick to express their feelings and disappointment after a post from the J-Novel Club forum was posted showcasing differences between Seven Seas’ English version of Inori’s I’m in Love with the Villainess and the original Japanese.
The content missing from the English release occurs in the first chapter during the characters’ frank and open discussion of LGBTQ rights and representation, a scene that earned praise from critics and LGBTQ advocates, including myself.
In the passage, Rae ponders how certain people, such as TV entertainers, would sometimes make a show or gimmick out of their homosexuality. She continues to wonder if they almost acted in a way to invite prejudice on themselves, while simultaneously she wishes that such hatred towards the queer community did not exist. Finally, she realizes that it was a way to deal with the pain of rejection from friends or crushes, as queer people may lose friends after admitting their feelings. The passage ends with the revelation that, in her previous life, this was how Rae acted.
Readers on social media were quick to express disappointment, mostly aimed at Seven Seas, for the changes. Many felt the text helped make Rae sympathetic. The character is sometimes criticized for her boldness and teasing Claire on a level that some argue borders on harassment.
