Anne Hathaway Apologises for Depiction of Disabilities in ‘The Witches’

American actress, Anne Hathaway, has apologised for her depiction of disabilities in her new film, The Witches; after she was called out by the disability community.

In the film, Hathaway portrayed the Grand High Witch with three-fingered hands that resembles the congenital disorder ectrodactyly.

Anne Hathaway

In a lengthy apology, the actress admitted her ignorance; after learning that “many people with limb differences, especially children, are in pain.”

She continued: “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.”

READ ALSO: Gregory Ojefua: Don’t Become An Actor Because You Want Money

Anne Hathaway urged her followers to check out the Lucky Fin Project; a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and celebrates people affected by limb differences to learn more about the disability.

View this post on Instagram

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.

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