Trending 7th November 2020 by Hannah Hillyer

Anne Hathaway Has Apologised For The Portrayal Of Limb Differences In The Witches

"I owe you all an apology for the pain caused."

Anne Hathaway has apologised for the portrayal of people with limb differences in her latest film. The star is in the latest remake of classic Roald Dahl tale, The Witches.

In Dahl’s original story the Grand High Witch had what he described as “cat-like claws,” however this new interpretation looks a little different. Non-profit organisation, The Lucky Fin Project, whose aim is to raise awareness and celebrate children born with symbrachydactyly or other limb differences has called out movie bosses over the film.

They believe there had been a deliberate choice for Hathaway’s character to look “more creepy and sinister.”

 

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Hathaway posted about the non-profit on her Instagram account alongside an apology; “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.”

“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.”

The Oscar winner went on to say that; “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.”

 

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“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,” she added.

Warner Bros have also made a statement for this error in judgement with a spokesperson for the company revealing they; “are deeply saddened to learn that our depiction of the fictional characters in The Witches could upset people with disabilities, and regret any offense caused.”

“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.”

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