Anne Hathaway issues apology after ‘The Witches’ controversy

Anne Hathaway has issued an apology following the backlash directed toward her most recent film, The Witches. The latest adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1983 novel sparked controversy because of Hathaway’s appearance in the film. Playing the Grand High Witch, Hathaway’s hands are supposed to appear as cat-like claws, but instead they resemble the hands of someone who has limb differences.When Hathaway’s character takes on her full witch form in the film, she has three fingers on each hand. Disability advocates pushed back against The Witches, saying that Hathaway’s character appears to have Ectrodactyly or “split hand,” an inherited genetic condition. Advocates are concerned that Hathaway’s character, the villain of the film, is yet another mainstream media example of children being taught to fear those who look different from them.Paralympic athlete Amy Marren, as well as the Paralympic Games Twitter account and Lucky Fin, an organization that supports and celebrates those born with limb difference, all spoke out about the film. Hathaway has now issued an official apology.The Oscar winner worked with Lucky Fin to ensure she was not only making amends but also learning from the event and helping to bring awareness to the way in which people with limb differences are often presented in a negative light in the media."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,” wrote Hathaway on Instagram. “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.”Hathaway posted a video from The Lucky Fin Project and thanked the organization for their support. The actor and mom of two ended her apology with a special note to children who may have been negatively affected by her latest film. “I particularly want to say I’m sorry to kids with limb differences: now that I know better I promise I’ll do better,” said Hathaway. “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.”

 

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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. 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 fiercely as I love my own kids: I’m sorry I let your family down. If you aren’t already familiar, please check out the @Lucky_Fin_Project (video above) and the #NotAWitch hashtag to get a more inclusive and necessary perspective on limb difference.

A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on Nov 5, 2020 at 11:11am PST

Hathaway’s apology has been received positively since it was issued on November 5. “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,” wrote one follower. “Thank you for your apology, I have ectrodactyly and felt offended, but I appreciate you using your platform to raise awareness,” added another.Warner Bros. also issued an apology to the limb difference community. Releasing their statement on November 4, Warner Bros. said “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.”Hopefully Hathaway and Warner Bros.’ apologies will help to ease hurt caused by the film, but they should also act as yet another reminder why it’s important to have film sets that feature a diverse cast and crew who can help speak to the experience of as many viewers as possible.In addition to Hathaway, the Robert Zemeckis adaptation of The Witches stars Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci and Jahzir Kadeen Bruno. The family-friendly film opened in the US in October and is expected to be available in Canadian movie theaters on November 20.[video_embed id='2071184']Before you go: Baby gets excited when he recognizes his grandmother on TV[/video_embed]