Deals & Steals on gifting made easy!

  • Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2023 ABC News
  • Culture

Anne Hathaway apologizes to people with disabilities for 'The Witches' portrayal

VIDEO: Binge Bruce Springsteen and 'The Witches'
5:35
Binge Bruce Springsteen and 'The Witches'
Warner Bros.
ByDanielle Long
November 06, 2020, 11:14 am

Anne Hathaway is apologizing after HBO Max's remake of "The Witches" drew backlash over how the witches were depicted.

In the reimagined film, which is based on Roald Dahl's classic book and the original 1990 film, Hathaway portrays the evil Grand High Witch. But unlike in the novel or the first film, in which the witches were described as having "claws," the witches in the 2020 remake have three long fingers instead, a change which upset some members of the disabled community.

MORE: 'The Witches' remake receives backlash from disabled community

The 37-year-old actress made a public apology in an Instagram post Thursday.

Anne Hathaway portrays the Grand High Witch in the fantasy adventure "The Witches".
Courtesy of Warner Bros.

"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," she wrote.

Editor’s Picks

Anne Hathaway reveals name of her 2nd son

  • Oct 27, 2020

Anne Hathaway takes on 'pillow challenge' with 'Princess Diaries' twist

  • Apr 23, 2020

Anne Hathaway uses her Walk of Fame speech to highlight 'indigenous people' of Southern California

  • May 10, 2019

"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," she continued. "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 added, "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."

MORE: 'The Witches' review: The Anne Hathaway film is a fright-fest that won't settle for skin deep

The mother of two also encouraged others to educate themselves and check out a nonprofit for people with limb differences called Lucky Fin Project "to get a more inclusive and necessary perspective on limb difference."

"The Witches" stars Hathaway and Octavia Spencer and is narrated by Chris Rock. It premiered on HBO Max on Oct. 22.

Editor’s Picks

Anne Hathaway reveals name of her 2nd son

  • Oct 27, 2020

Anne Hathaway takes on 'pillow challenge' with 'Princess Diaries' twist

  • Apr 23, 2020

Anne Hathaway uses her Walk of Fame speech to highlight 'indigenous people' of Southern California

  • May 10, 2019

Up Next in Culture—

'Vanderpump Rules' star Ariana Madix to star in 'Chicago' on Broadway

December 6, 2023

Sean 'Diddy' Combs reacts to new sexual assault lawsuit: 'Enough is enough'

December 6, 2023

Jenna Johnson celebrates Val Chmerkovskiy and Xochitl Gomez after 'DWTS' win: See photos

December 6, 2023

Norman Lear dead at 101: Jimmy Kimmel, Tyler Perry and more react to TV icon's death

December 6, 2023

Shop Holiday Digital Deals

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2023 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2023 ABC News