The Hollywood star Anne Hathaway has spoken out to apologize after her new HBO movie The Witches became embroiled in a disability controversy.
Page Six reported that in the movie, which was based on a book by Roald Dahl, Hathaway played an evil witch who has three fingers on each hand. This made her resemble someone with ectrodactyly, which is a limb disability.
“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,” Hathaway, 37, wrote on Instagram. “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 added. “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.”
Hathaway posted her apology alongside a video by the Lucky Fin Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to help children with limb differences.
“I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better,” the actress continued. “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.”
This came after Warner Bros. issued a statement of apology as well earlier in the week.
“We the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures 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,” the movie studio said.
The Lucky Fin Project has already responded by calling Hathaway’s apology a “teachable moment.”
“Let’s not strive for a ‘Cancel Culture’ but an educated, inclusive, empathetic, and empowering one,” the organization wrote on Instagram. “Forward together is how we all learn and rise.”
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