Apologizing is often one of the hardest things people have to do, especially when the apology is for something complicated and not necessarily black-and-white in terms of right or wrong.
Anne Hathaway has taken to social media to apologize after receiving backlash for her character’s physical appearance in the new film The Witches .
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*The Witches* is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1983 novel surrounding a group of evil witches who hate children.
In the 2020 film, Anne Hathaway, portraying the head of the evil witches, is depicted with ectrodactyly , a limb abnormality also known as having a “split hand.”
Many people with disabilities and disability activists were not pleased with this representation.
One of the most prominent voices to speak up was Paralympic athlete Amy Marren.
Amy wrote, “I am fully aware that this is a film, and these are Witches. But Witches are essentially monsters. My fear is that children will watch this film, unaware that it massively exaggerates the Roald Dahl original, and that limbs differences will begin to be feared.”
The backlash prompted those with limb differences to start a social media movement.
Many people with limb differences began sharing photos of themselves alongside the hashtag “#NotAWitch” to separate themselves from the monsters in the film version.
The controversy prompted a response from multiple sources.
The Warner Bros. studio made a statement regarding the controversy.
Warner Bros. said that they were “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,” their statement finished.
Anne Hathaway has now responded, first sharing a video on limb difference to her Instagram.
“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 ,” Anne wrote . “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,” Anne wrote.
“Thank you for your apology. It’s a small step to more awareness and a change on how society perceives people like us,” one fan with limb difference responded to Anne’s post.
“Anne, thank you so much for this. Your words ring true and I am grateful. As someone with limb difference I was hurt by your portrayal but it also brought attention to the issue and gives us all a chance to do better,” another shared.
What do you think of Anne’s apology?
Was it appropriate? Or was it necessary in the first place?
Let us know how you feel in the comments below!
Last Updated on November 6, 2020 by Rae Batchelor
