“I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better”
Anne Hathaway has issued an apology for her role in the remake of The Witches where she plays a villain with a limb difference.
In the new version of Roald Dahl classic, Hathaway plays the Grand High Witch, who has two fingers and a thumb on each hand.
The film has come under fire from disability advocates, who say that the portrayal only adds to stigma that people with limb differences face.
Paralympic bronze medallist Amy Marren was amongst those who criticised the film for portraying limb differences are something “to be feared”.
@WarnerBrosUK was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?! @ReachCharity @RoaldFull pic.twitter.com/kiTEAuYt7i
— Amy Marren (@amy_marren) November 2, 2020
Now Anne Hathaway has posted an apology on her Instagram. She shared a video from limb difference charity Lucky Fin Project, along with saying that she owes “you all an apology for the pain caused.”
“I have recently learned that many people with limb differences, especially children, are in pain because of the portrayal of the Grand High Witch in The Witches,” wrote Anne Hathaway.
“Let me begin by saying I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scrambling PC fear, but because not hurting others seems like a basic level of decency we should all be striving for. As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really detests cruelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain caused.”
“I am sorry. I did not connect limb difference with the GHW when the look of the character was brought to me; if I had, I assure you this never would have happened.”
“I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better. And I owe a special apology to everyone who loves you as fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOGW7JlpRv/
In Roald Dahl’s original novel, the witches are described as having “square feet with no toes” and “claws instead of fingernails”.
Warner Bros. have also apologised for the depiction of limb differences in the film. In a statement to Us Weekly, the studio said it was “deeply saddened to learn that our depiction of the fictional characters in The Witches could upset people with disabilities.”
“In adapting the original story, we worked with designers and artists to come up with a new interpretation of the cat-like claws that are described in the book.”
“It was never the intention for viewers to feel that the fantastical, non-human creatures were meant to represent them. This film is about the power of kindness and friendship. It is our hope that families and children can enjoy the film and embrace this empowering, love-filled theme.”
