Anne Hathaway Apologized For New Trailer “The Wi-tches,” Received Backlash From Special Needs Community


Anne Hathaway has issued an apology amid the contr-oversy of her character in the reboot of The W!tches, which has drawn cr!ticism for its portrayal of limb differences.

In the new film, Hathaway stars as the Grand High W!tch, who is missing fingers on each hand.

Many people have spoken out aga!nst the character, with British Par-alympic swimmer Amy Marren saying that those with limb differences are ‘represented as something sc-ary’.

Hathaway has now said she is sorry for the ‘pa!n ca-used’ by the role, having promised to ‘do better’ in the future in a statement on Instagram.

Sharing a video from a charity called Lucky Fin Project, she wrote: “I have recently learned that many people with limb differences, especially children, are in pa!n because of the portrayal of the Grand High W!tch in The W!tches.

“Let me begin by saying I do my best to be sensitive to the feelings and experiences of others not out of some scr-ambling PC fe-ar, but because not hu-rting others seems like a basic level of dec-ency we should all be str!ving for. “As someone who really believes in inclusivity and really, really dete-sts cr-uelty, I owe you all an apology for the pain ca-used.

“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 f!ercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down.”

Warner Bros has also apologized, with a statement provided to US Weekly saying it was ‘deeply saddened to learn that our depiction of the fictional characters in The W!tches could upset people with d!sabilities’, adding that it ‘regretted any offe-nse ca-used’ by the film. “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,” a spokesperson said in the statement.

“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.”

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