Anne Hathaway has issued an apology for the "pain caused" to people with limb differences by her portrayal of the Grand High Witch in the cinematic reimagination of Roald Dahl's novel The Witches.
In the film, Hathaway's character has three fingers on each hand instead of the five fingers and long claws described in the book, which has led to a backlash from disability campaigners. Some noted it resembled the congenital disorder ectrodactyly, which is characterised by the absence of one or more central digits on the hand or foot.
While studio officials at Warner Bros. first issued an apology for what they described as a "new interpretation of the cat-like claws that are described in the book", the Devil Wears Prada star has now broken her silence about the controversy.
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The star has issued a heartfelt apology alongside a video of people with limb differences from the Lucky Fin Project non-profit, which raises awareness and celebrates those with the 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," said Hathaway in her post.
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"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."
The issue was brought to light when official Twitter account of the Paralympic Games shared that exact concern that portraying sinister characters with physical differences will perpetuate the stereotype that people with disabilities are scary and abnormal. "Limb difference is not scary. Differences should be celebrated and disability has to be normalised," they tweeted.
British Paralympian Amy Marren also called out Warner Bros. on Twitter, saying: "Was there much thought given as to how this representation of limb differences would effect the limb difference community?!"
She also shared a lengthy statement explaining that surgeons often build hands that look like the Grand High Witch's for people with limb differences and that it was "upsetting" to see such people "being represented as something scary."
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Fans have praised Hathaway for issuing her apology, with one saying: "Thank you for your apology. It's a small step to more awareness and a change on how society perceives people like us."
"Thank you for addressing this and for your apology. I do believe that it was unintentional and no upset was caused on purpose," added another. "We have been trying to raise awareness to prevent something like this occurring again - it's great to see our voices were heard. Thank you again for your apology!"
Featured Image Credit: Warner BrosTopics: Celebrity News, TV News