Anne Hathaway has taken to social media to apologise following major backlash from the disability community over her new movie ‘The Witches.’
In a statement posted on Instagram, the actress wrote:
“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.”
As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really detests cruelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain caused,” she continued. “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,” she wrote. “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.”
The Portrayal of Hathaway’s character in the movie with three fingers on each hand, a condition that’s similar to ectrodactyly – a limb disbility had angered the disability community who said the movie was endorsing stereotypes. The Hashtag #NotAWitch had gone viral in reaction.
A Warner Bros. spokesperson had issued a statement earlier this week addressing the backlash, saying the company was “deeply saddened to learn that our depiction of the fictional characters in The Witches could upset people with disabilities.”
