The studio issued an apology in a statement: “We filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures are so sad to learn that our portrayal of fictional characters in The Witches can upset people with disabilities, and we apologize for any offense they cause.”
The statement continued: “In adapting the original story, we worked with designers and artists to come up with a new interpretation of the cat-like claws described in the book. Viewers were never intended to feel that imagination, non-human creatures were intended to represent. This movie is about the power of Kindness and friendship. We hope families and children enjoy the film and embrace this theme full of love and empowerment. “
The criticism came after viewers said the characters’ hands and feet showed differences that negatively portray disabilities in the limbs. Some have taken to social media with the hashtag #NotAWitch.
Paralympic medalist Amy Marin wrote on Twitter: “@Please educate yourself about #LimbDifferences and support the idea that you are a #NotAWitch because you look different! You can also actively support the party team community by using words that describe us as people, such as not being different is what distinguishes us.” .
The Paralympic Games tweeted that “differences must be celebrated and disability normalized.”
