The studio issued an apology in a statement: “We are the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pitchers is saddened to learn that the portrayal of fictional characters in The Witches can upset people with disabilities, and regrets any crime that has resulted.”
The statement continued: “While adapting to the original story, we worked closely with designers and artists to come up with new interpretations of cat-like paws as described in the books. Viewers never thought that imaginative, human beings were meant to represent them. It’s about the power of friendship. We hope families and children can enjoy the film and embrace this empowering, loving theme. “
This was criticized after viewers said that the movie showed differences in the arms and legs of the characters which negatively portrayed the handicapped. Some people went on social media with the hashtag #NotAWitch.
Paralympic medalist Amy Maren wrote via Twitter: “@ Please educate yourself on the #limb difference and support the idea that you are #notwitch, because even though you look different, you are actively using words describing people. Organ differences can also support the community, as it is not the difference that defines us. “
The Paralympic Games tweeted that “differences should be celebrated and disability should be normalized.”
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