Disney + gives ‘The Muppet Show’ a ‘offensive content’ disclaimer before selected episodes

Before playing the song and turning on the lights, fans who choose “The Muppet Show” at Disney + will see a “offensive content” warning before selected episodes. The classic series, which first aired in 1976, launched on the streaming service on Friday.

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“This program includes negative representations and / or mistreatment of people or cultures. These stereotypes were wrong at the time and are wrong now. Instead of removing this content, we want to recognize its damaging impact, learn from it and start conversations to create a more inclusive future together ”, states the warning. “Disney is committed to creating stories with inspiring and ambitious themes that reflect the rich diversity of human experience around the world.”

Variety reported that the disclaimer was added to a total of 18 episodes over the five seasons of the show, including those featured by Jim Nabors, Joel Gray, Steve Martin, Peter Sellers, Cleo Laine, James Coco, Spike Milligan, Crystal Gayle, Kenny Rogers, Beverly Sills, Jonathan Winters, Alan Arkin, James Coburn, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Debbie Harry, Wally Boag and Marty Feldman. The disclaimer appears at the beginning of these episodes for 12 seconds.

The label was added to each video for a different reason. For example, during the Cash episode, the legendary music star sings in front of a Confederate flag.

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According to a statement from Disney’s Stories Matter initiative, the company is “in the process of reviewing our library and adding recommendations to content that includes negative representations or mistreatment of people or cultures” as part of an ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“Instead of removing that content, we see an opportunity to start a conversation and an open dialogue about the story that affects us all. We also want to acknowledge that some communities have been completely erased or forgotten and we are committed to giving voice to their stories too “, continues the statement. “To that end, we have assembled a group of experts from outside our company to advise us as we evaluate our content and ensure that it accurately represents our global audience. As we embrace each other’s stories, we embrace the possibility. that’s what we’re committed to doing the best we can to represent communities authentically. So that people not only see the best in themselves, but the world can see it too. “

Other examples where Disney + viewers can see content notices are in classic films like The Aristocrats, Dumbo, Peter Pan and Swiss Family Robinson.

Disney + exceeded the expectations of the company’s subscribers, totaling 94.9 million subscribers in its last quarter ended on January 2. The streaming service was first launched in November 2019.